In a unique exploration of the adult film industry, photographer Larry Sultan captured the often-overlooked settings that serve as backdrops for adult films. His work, particularly focused on suburban homes in California’s San Fernando Valley, reveals the intriguing interplay between ordinary domestic life and the world of adult entertainment.
Sultan’s journey into this subject began in the late 1990s during a photoshoot for Maxim magazine, where he was tasked with documenting the daily life of an adult film actor, Sharon Wild. This chance assignment led him back to his childhood neighborhood, which had transformed into a hub for the adult film industry due to its affordability and proximity to Los Angeles. Over the next several years, Sultan returned to photograph homes rented by adult film companies, uncovering a complex narrative within these seemingly mundane spaces.
Exploring the Intersection of Domesticity and Fantasy
Sultan’s fascination with the homes he photographed stemmed from their uncanny ability to evoke a sense of familiarity while simultaneously serving a different purpose. According to Yancey Richardson, Sultan’s gallerist, he found the homes to be part of a “parallel reality.” They featured typical middle-class furnishings, yet they had been “estranged” from their original intent, now curated for the performance of pleasure and sexuality.
In his book, published in 2004, Sultan described the strangeness of these homes, which often appeared to have been abandoned overnight. The interiors featured everyday details, such as refrigerator magnets and old furniture, reminding him of his own childhood. His wife, Kelly Sultan, who accompanied him on the shoot, recalled how Sultan was captivated by the domestic elements that coexisted with the adult film production.
The images from Sultan’s series often downplayed the explicit nature of the adult film industry. Instead, they focused on the mundane aspects of the sets. Bodies were frequently seen through reflections or cropped out of frame, with elements like curtains and furniture playfully obscuring the action. Photographer Rebecca Bausher, who assisted Sultan, noted his interest in the details of the sets, emphasizing that he sought to uncover the “interior psyche” present in these spaces.
Redefining the Narrative of Adult Film Production
Sultan’s portraits, including the striking image of Sharon Wild making direct eye contact with the camera, mark rare moments where the performers acknowledge the photographer’s presence. In an interview with the Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art in 2003, he articulated his approach: “I think of myself on porn sets as documenting fictions.” He explained that he was drawn to the theatricality of the settings, capturing moments that felt “off” from traditional narratives.
Sultan’s work has garnered attention for its ability to challenge perceptions of adult entertainment. The combination of theatrical lighting and everyday objects creates a dissonance that highlights the constructed nature of these environments. The incongruities of production studios—where curtains reveal set walls and furniture is haphazardly assembled—further illustrate the tension between fantasy and reality.
As Sultan’s legacy continues to resonate, his photographs serve as a reminder of the complexities hidden within the adult film industry. His unique perspective has not only documented a specific moment in time but has also opened a dialogue about the intersections of art, sexuality, and domesticity. Today, his work is celebrated in exhibitions, including the current show at Richardson’s gallery in New York, marking its 30th anniversary, while his portrait of Wild remains a poignant symbol of his artistic vision.
