Screaming Queen (Mimi Imfurst) 20x16in polaroid collage 2011

RE:DEFINE – Jeremy Kost

Jeremy Kost is a tireless chronicler of gender, sexuality, nightlife and a pioneer of the Polaroid. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, he now lives and works in New York City, though he regularly travels the world to capture his images, whether they’re of toned male models in the California desert or vibrant drag queens strutting through Pittsburgh.

Next year, Kost’s work will be shown at the NRW-Forum Museum in Dusseldorf and the subject of a solo show at The Andy Warhol Museum. powerHouse books recently released his first monograph, It’s Always Darkest Before Dawn, featuring salacious and intense portraits and Kost’s elaborate, perspective-bending collages; a limited edition was produced in collaboration with BookMarc. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Kost could be a natural heir to Warhol, snapping Polaroids of a thriving subculture of freaks, rebels, trannies, and costumed divas. The artist’s social circle of icons like Amanda Lepore and Ladyfag are his natural subjects. For Jeremy Kost, everyday life assumes the quality of a flamboyant fairytale. His images are alternately verite and constructed, gritty nightlife realism or staged and choreographed fantasies. And Kost has been pushing the envelope, experimenting with ever more ambitious projects.

Kost’s art will be exhibited at the Goss-Michael Foundation from Sept. 16 – 23 for the MTV RE:DEFINE event. His work along with 29 other works of international artist – including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Rankin, Dan Witz, Shepard Fairey – will be auctioned off at a VIP reception on Saturday, Sept. 24. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Staying Alive Foundation which encourages, energizes and empowers young people who are involved in HIV and AIDS awareness, education and prevention campaigns. For those unable to attend the event, absentee bids will also be accepted including via telephone – please visit www.mtvredefine.com for more information on how to bid.