4/1/2026/WEDNESDAY/8:25AM
 |
>RICK CASTRO: 1986<Lingering Quietly Beneath the Surface: An Interview with Rick Castrointerviewed by John Wisniewski-
3:AM: Could you tell us, Rick, about your upcoming photo exhibition? What will you be presenting? Rick Castro: On March 6th thru 29th, 2026, I will be part of Psyops & Photo Ops, a photography group exhibition at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Feliz. I will be presenting two photographs: “SHE”, 20×16”, (frame size 23 1/2 x19”) vintage matte print, signed on verso, 1991, unique, and “The Goddess Bunny”, 20×16” , (framed size 26 x 23 1/2”) archival digital print, signed on verso, 1987/print 2026 edition 2/6. The theme of the exhibition includes photographs of bizarre and otherworldly subjects, photographs of incredible or extreme events, and applications of photography in places where it doesn’t belong. 3:AM: What other projects have you been involved with recently? RC: I just screened my cult-classic film Hustler White (1996) followed by a Q&A with the audience, along with photo exhibition, Rick Castro: Stills from Hustler White, Los Angeles, 1996, at Kriterion Theatre, Amsterdam, February 20- 23rd, 2026. I was part of Evidence of Existence: Various Artists at Griffin Museum of Photography, January 5 – February 28 2026, Winchester Ma. Photographers shared their visions of the way in which land holds memory and identity through traces often unseen. The images remind us that places hold stories that linger quietly beneath the surface. During November 15th, 2025, thru January 17th, 2026, I was featured in a massive group exhibition Phallus :: Fascinum :: Fascism at the BOX Gallery, downtown Arts District, Traction Avenue. Los Angeles. Curated by Robert Zin Stark, the show explored the historic and etymological connections between power sexuality and state control. It traced the evolution of phallic imagery — from ancient Roman protective amulets known as fascinum (the root of “fascinate”) to its later role as a symbol of authority and militaristic discipline in modern fascism. For the closing event I screened my documentary film Plushies & Furries, (2001) as part of Fascination Fest, January 17th, 2026. |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 1999< |
3:AM: When did the Antebellum Gallery open and what did you want to present there?
RC: Antebellum had a long run for an independent gallery, November 11, 2005 thru January 1st, 2017. I created what I believe to be the only fetish art gallery in the world, presenting fetish as art on a monthly basis.
Artists featured included Tom of Finland, Herb Ritts, Joel-Peter Witkin, Bob Mizer, George Quaintance, Peter Berlin, F. Holland Day, Wilhelm von Gloeden, Mel Roberts, Mountain Broady, Marc Littlejohn, Matt Pipes, Miguel Reyes, Hector Silva, auto show by George Barris, foot fetish photographer, Elmer Batters, Carlos Batts, Belasco, Rick Owens, performance artists Ron Athey and Keith Hunter, rare performance by The Living Theater, Shepard Fairey contributed artwork to a fundraiser, Asa Fox, musical performances by Gennie Goose and Alice Bag, Tony Ward (his first-ever exhibition), Robert Hill and Mr. Drake, (first-ever exhibitions) and me, Rick Castro (gallery owner and curator).
The name “Antebellum” (Latin for “before war”) was chosen to reflect what I viewed as a pre-war era of cultural strife, Which led us to where we are now…BELLUM.
3:AM: When did you begin taking photos?
RC: I took my first photo during the summer of 1986 of a young unknown model Tony Ward.
3:AM: What attracted you to photography?
RC: I had been working as a wardrobe stylist/costume designer for about 13 years, creating numerous ideas for other photographers and directors. I decided I wanted to create complete photographic images from start to finish. I was happy with my first results, so continued on. I initially loved the dark, noirish tones of black & white photography so created a body of that work. Later on, I explored color and digital processing.
3:AM: Does your art sometimes shock?
RC: Most likely, yes, but it’s not the sole intention. I’m presenting ideas and images most people aren’t familiar with. I think the times have caught up with me, so the shock has worn off.
3:AM: Any artists and photographers who have inspired you?
RC: Yes, many. I like the dead guys. Photographers Pierre Molinier and Brassaï, directors Pier Paolo Pasolini and Roman Polanski, writers Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams — and Gilles de Rais.
3:AM: Do you believe strongly in fighting censorship?
RC: Yes, it’s been a lifelong battle. During the 70s, things became so free. It’s disheartening to be in my golden years watching civil rights being stripped away on a daily basis.
3:AM: What was it like collaborating with Bruce La Bruce?
RC: We had a mutual appreciation of film. I guess we’re both obsessed cinephiles, so the process of creating a film together was exhilarating.
3:AM: Any memories of Joel Peter Witkin?
RC: Oh yes, great memories of all our collaborations from his versions of Leda and the Swan to The Three Graces. I have wonderful memories of spending New Year’s Day at his ranch in New Mexico, and a road trip we took to Acoma Pueblo, AKA Sky City: a Native American community inhabited since 1150 A.D. atop a 367-foot sandstone plateau. Joel helped me pick out my first camera at the local camera shop in Albuquerque. He chose a NikonFG because it was the most basic. I still have it.
3:AM: What was your first exhibition like?
RC: It was called Mass Murder and a Cute Boy presented by the original Different Light Bookstore in the Silverlake junction, 1989. I had about thirteen images on display above the bookcases. A leatherman drove up on his Harley, took a quick survey of the exhibition, came up to me and said, “I’d like to purchase two photos” (my first sale). He then said, “I would like to publish your book” (my first book). The leatherman turned out to be Durk Dehner from the newly formed Tom of Finland Foundation.
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 1987< 3:AM: Any memories of Goddess Bunny? RC: Many! Where do I begin? I first met Sandie Crisp aka The Goddess Bunny at Limbo Lounge, Thursday nights at The Four Star bar in West Hollywood, circa 1985: The Goddess performed a lip-sync rendition of Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”. It cleared the room! Over the years, the Goddess told me she was working as Carol Burnett’s body double, she drove a tractor at her family’s farm, and her boyfriend was teen-star, Ricky Schroder. After our photoshoot with Joel Witkin, where we recreated Leda and the Swan. Witkin’s policy was to pay the model cash or a print from the shoot. I implored her to take the print, because it would become collectable. She took the cash. As I drove her home, she asked to be dropped off at a wig shop on Western Ave and Santa Monica Blvd. The Goddess spent all her earnings on wigs. One of the many infamous quotes from The Goddess Bunny, “Don’t you know who I am? Well, go to the movies.” 3:AM: Are you proud to have your photos as part of the Kinsey institute Collection? RC: Very much so. It’s great to be part of the legacy and institution that houses so much research and historic figures including Alfred Kinsey himself, Hugh Hefner, May West, Judy Chicago, Marc Chagall, Picasso, Rembrandt, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and filmmaker Kenneth Anger. The way it all came about was through Kenneth Anger. He liked the zines I was creating back in the 90s and immediately put me in contact with the curator. Unfortunately, I must point out, the institute has faced significant political challenges in Indiana. As of July 1 2023, Indiana law prohibits the use of state-appropriated funds for the Kinsey Institute’s operations. Another mass censorship from the religious right and affront to our civil liberties. BTW, as of June 2025, I am also archived at the Getty Museum, Brentwood, CA. direct link- |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2000< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2025< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2025< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2025< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2025< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2025< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2010< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2010< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2011< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2011< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2011< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2010/2011/2015< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2026< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 2026< |
 |
| >RICK CASTRO: 1996/1999/1987< |
