The pictures of PDA, London's now-defunct queer club night, are a testament to the city's vibrant underground music scene in the 2010s. Captured over several years, Liz Johnson Artur's photographs of party-goers – often shot on the fly, with cameras at the ready – exude a sense of spontaneity and joy that draws you into the moment.
The club, founded by DJ Carrie Stacks and others, was known for its fluidity and inclusivity. There was no door policy, and everyone was welcome. Johnson Artur, who had never been a clubber herself, became a regular at PDA. She would photograph her subjects in all their glory – sequins, heels, and sunglasses – but also capture the unguarded moments when the music, the lights, and the moment itself took over.
Johnson Artur's photographs are not just about the partygoers; they're also about the spaces they created. The club was a sanctuary for those who felt marginalized or oppressed outside. In these intimate portraits, Johnson Artur conveys a sense of community and belonging that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its focus on the human experience. Johnson Artur's subjects are not just dancing; they're also sharing laughter, kisses, and moments of quiet connection. These photographs speak to something timeless – desire, freedom, and escape – that transcends the fleeting nature of a night out.
The collaboration between Johnson Artur and some of PDA's organizers was a significant challenge for her. As someone with high standards, she had to let go of her need for control. Instead, she chose to open up and trust the process. This willingness to collaborate is reflected in the photographs, which are both vibrant and intimate.
Throughout the book, Johnson Artur's voice is gentle yet unflinching. She reflects on her own role in the community, how she developed "aunty feelings" for some of the regulars. These relationships were built on mutual respect and trust, which is beautifully captured in the photographs.
The final image in the book – a reveller walking home after a long night out – serves as a poignant reminder that everything must come to an end. Johnson Artur's words – "We have a wonderful time, then suddenly it's over" – encapsulate the human experience. PDA is a testament to this fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment.
In short, Liz Johnson Artur's photographs are not just a celebration of a bygone era; they're also a powerful reminder of the beauty, resilience, and community that can be found in our most vulnerable moments.
The club, founded by DJ Carrie Stacks and others, was known for its fluidity and inclusivity. There was no door policy, and everyone was welcome. Johnson Artur, who had never been a clubber herself, became a regular at PDA. She would photograph her subjects in all their glory – sequins, heels, and sunglasses – but also capture the unguarded moments when the music, the lights, and the moment itself took over.
Johnson Artur's photographs are not just about the partygoers; they're also about the spaces they created. The club was a sanctuary for those who felt marginalized or oppressed outside. In these intimate portraits, Johnson Artur conveys a sense of community and belonging that is both captivating and heartbreaking.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its focus on the human experience. Johnson Artur's subjects are not just dancing; they're also sharing laughter, kisses, and moments of quiet connection. These photographs speak to something timeless – desire, freedom, and escape – that transcends the fleeting nature of a night out.
The collaboration between Johnson Artur and some of PDA's organizers was a significant challenge for her. As someone with high standards, she had to let go of her need for control. Instead, she chose to open up and trust the process. This willingness to collaborate is reflected in the photographs, which are both vibrant and intimate.
Throughout the book, Johnson Artur's voice is gentle yet unflinching. She reflects on her own role in the community, how she developed "aunty feelings" for some of the regulars. These relationships were built on mutual respect and trust, which is beautifully captured in the photographs.
The final image in the book – a reveller walking home after a long night out – serves as a poignant reminder that everything must come to an end. Johnson Artur's words – "We have a wonderful time, then suddenly it's over" – encapsulate the human experience. PDA is a testament to this fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment.
In short, Liz Johnson Artur's photographs are not just a celebration of a bygone era; they're also a powerful reminder of the beauty, resilience, and community that can be found in our most vulnerable moments.
. I mean, it sounds like a really cool scene back in the 2010s but what's the real takeaway here? Are we just supposed to romanticize the fleeting nature of nightlife and community without any deeper analysis? 
The article mentions "a sense of spontaneity and joy" but where are the concrete stats on how that impacted people's lives beyond the club? 
And don't get me wrong, I'm sure Liz Johnson Artur's photos are gorgeous, but can we talk about how they're framed within this nostalgic narrative without scrutinizing what it says about our present-day cultural priorities? 
I'm completely obsessed with these photos from PDA! They're like capturing this magical moment when everyone's letting go and being themselves 
It's like you can feel the energy and joy radiating off the pages... but at the same time, there's this tinge of sadness that everything has to end 
. I love how Liz Johnson Artur's photography is so candid and intimate - it feels like she's sharing these secrets with us 
. And can we talk about how amazing it was for her to collaborate with PDA's organizers? I mean, I know she had high standards, but it's beautiful that she chose to trust the process 
. The fact that her relationships with some of the regulars were built on mutual respect and trust is so inspiring... it gives me chills 
these pics from pda are giving me LIFE!! the way liz johnson artur captured those moments of pure joy and freedom is like... my heart can't even 
the final pic tho... *sniffles* it's like, the ultimate reminder to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of impermanence 
I'm so done with these exhibitions where everything is all polished and perfect. This book about PDA though, it's like a time capsule of pure unadulterated joy 
. Liz Johnson Artur's photos are like you're right there in the club with them, feeling the music and the magic 
. And I love how she talks about letting go of her need for control - I mean, we've all been there where we just want to hide behind our cameras and not have to deal with anything 
. It's like, yeah we have a good time, but eventually it all comes to an end 
. I mean, life is short, right? But in a way, that's what makes these photos so special - they're a reminder to live in the moment and not take anything for granted 
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. And Liz Johnson Artur's photos are like a big ol' hug from an aunty figure - they're warm, comforting, and real 
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The way Liz Johnson Artur captured those PDA nights is like freezing a sparkly moment in time... it's not just about the partygoers but about the entire atmosphere the club created – it's a testament to how art can capture the essence of a community, even if it's fleeting. 
. It's amazing how Liz Johnson Artur was able to capture the unguarded moments, not just the fun ones with sequins and all that, but also the quiet connections people made in that space 
. I think it says a lot about the club being a sanctuary for people who feel marginalized or oppressed outside - those photos are really beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time 
. On one hand, I'm so grateful to have these amazing photos from PDA, it's like a time capsule to that era of London's queer scene. But at the same time, I'm also really saddened that something like that existed and has since disappeared 
. It's amazing how the club was more than just a space for dancing - it was a sanctuary for those feeling marginalized or oppressed outside 
. I think Liz Johnson Artur's photos are so much more than just party pics - they're a testament to the power of community and acceptance. The fact that there was no door policy at PDA is insane, but in a good way 
they're like a time capsule of this amazing queer club scene in London back in the 2010s so carefree and joyful 
and Liz Johnson Artur's photos capture it perfectly 
and Liz's photos show that sense of community and belonging so powerfully 
, I love how Liz Johnson Artur captured those unguarded moments on camera 
. It's a powerful reminder to live in the moment and cherish those fleeting moments of beauty 
I think it's really poignant how Johnson Artur captures the ephemeral nature of PDA, a moment in time where people could just let go and be themselves. 
It's amazing to see how she managed to convey a sense of community and belonging without ever feeling forced or contrived. 
I also love how the book is more than just a collection of images – it's an invitation to reflect on our own experiences of desire, freedom, and escape. 
. The fact that she was able to tap into that community and create these stunning photos is really inspiring. It's clear she has a deep connection with the people in them, not just as subjects but also as friends 
but I think that's what makes her pics even more special, they're not just about the clubbers, they're about the spaces they created too.