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YES MISTRESS // Kate Peters

Summary: I approached a small terraced house in east London and rang the bell. A woman in a red latex dress opened the door. There was nothing strange about the interior, nothing to hint at what happened once the curtains were closed. The doorbell rang again and I was instructed to open it. Waiting outside was one of Mistress’ regular clients. He was an electrician taking a break to bring Mistress a gift, a quick visit to show extra appreciation. He was embarrassed to be greeted by an outsider, so I quickly led him into the living room where he proceeded to kneel on all fours while Mistress spanked and verbally humiliated him.

This was my first experience of photographing a female dominatrix.

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For the past two years I have been working on a series looking at the lives of female dominatrixes, women who make a living creating fantasy worlds for their mostly male clientele. I am interested in challenging traditional representations of women and exploring alternative roles of women in contemporary society. The portraits of the women led me to explore the ‘slave’ men who pay for sessions with them.

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I am fascinated by the way the participants slip into an alternative reality. They take on a role, just as an actor plays a part, and enact these scenes throughout the country, behind closed doors.

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Links

Entire set in the archive
Kate Peters' Bio
Kate Peters' Features
Kate Peters in the News
INSTITUTE Features

If you are interested in this feature or to commission London based Kate, please do not hesitate to contact Matt Shonfeld - matt@instituteartist.com Tel: +44 1225-462-968

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