After Life
Michele Baron
SMUT Press
English
Text by Davide Meneghello and Nimco Kulmiye Hussein
Hardcover
220 × 270 mm
2025
ISBN 9781068455506
After Life, the eighth publication from SMUT Press, is the debut photobook by London-based, Italian photographer Michele Baron. Known for his spontaneous and punchy photographic style, Baron captures the underground queer communities and techno clubbing scenes of London, Paris, and Berlin. Through intimate portrayals of friends, lovers, and vibrant subcultures, After Life presents one of the largest selections of Baron’s impressive archive and offers an unflinching visual diary of these marginalised yet dynamic worlds.
With over a decade of experience behind the lens of his 35mm camera, Baron has developed a raw, close-knit relationship with many of his subjects, which translates into an authentic and sincere portrayal of their lives. Thoughtfully assembled and designed by John Philip Sage, the hardcover publication features over 250 images that immortalise the striking figures that have made the club their life’s devotion. The resulting work speaks to both the exhilaration of bustling dancefloors and the tender, intimate moments shared in more private, domestic spaces. Featuring accompanying texts by Davide Meneghello and Nimco Kulmiye Hussein, After Life speaks to a duality of the human experience—simultaneously raw and vulnerable, celebratory and somber—echoing the influence of celebrated artists Nan Goldin, Larry Clark and Harmony Korine, amongst others.
While Baron’s images document lives often lived at the margins of society, they also serve as powerful tools for visibility and representation. Resisting over-politicisation, Baron’s work offers an honest, unapologetic view of queer lives, celebrating their complexities with sensitivity and boldness.
Baron’s work has appeared in numerous acclaimed publications, including Dazed, i-D, Playful and Uncertain Magazine. His zines, which have been self-published and showcased at renowned fairs, have garnered attention for their candid, unfiltered look at underground queer life. Most recently, his photography was featured in the In Between: A Latinx Takeover exhibition at V&A East, where images from the iconic London party 2C-Perrea were displayed. Distribution in partnership with Public Knowledge Books. SMUT Press is supported by Culture Ireland.
(Source: https://smutpress.online/Michele-Baron-After-Life)
About the Artist
Born in Padova, Italy and now based in London, Michele Baron has been documenting queer nightlife since 2016, both in Italy and the UK. But his lens doesn’t chase glitter or spectacle — it lingers in the quiet spaces in between: the moment before the pose, the shadow behind a neon-lit gaze, the afterimage of a look held too long. What started as something casual — taking pictures while out with friends — quickly grew into a form of archiving, of witnessing. As he immersed himself in queer scenes across London and Berlin, photography became a method of preservation.
https://www.instagram.com/michele_baron_
(Source: https://www.vetormagazine.com/post/vetor-interviews-michele-baron)
About the Publisher
SMUT Press is a print press collective spotlighting queer talent based between Dublin and London, founded by Jordan Hearns and Jack Scollard. The aim of SMUT Press is to spotlight and commission queer talent to produce printed matter, as well as a music mix series.
smutpress.online
(Source: https://smutpress.online/About)
