François Prost, a French photographer, set out on an unusual journey across the United States, photographing the fronts of strip clubs from Miami all the way to Los Angeles. In his latest book, Gentlemen’s Club, Prost presents these vibrant and often surreal exteriors, focusing on the structures themselves instead of what goes on inside.
Prost embarked on this journey back in 2019, covering more than 6,000 miles over the course of five weeks. He documented the varied appearances of these clubs, noting two main types: those that are part of public spaces like amusement parks and malls, and others that are more discreet, often blending in with ordinary stores in strip malls. Many of these establishments were in the Bible Belt, a region known for its conservative stance, which Prost found particularly fascinating given the number of such venues there.
His interest wasn't in what happened inside the clubs or the services they offered. Instead, Prost wanted to tap into the cultural insights these buildings could provide. By focusing on the facades, he sought to delve into the intersection of sex, gender, and commerce in American life. His project is essentially a landscape photography collection examining how architectural design reflects changing attitudes toward sex.
The idea for Prost’s American project came from his 2018 series, “After Party, ” which centered on the facades of French nightclubs. He noticed that these buildings bore a resemblance to those in American cities, sparking his interest in exploring the U. S. strip club scene. Prost observed a stark contrast between European and American strip clubs, with American ones often making bold statements through their vivid exteriors.
Las Vegas is a prime example, where strip clubs stand out as prominently as fast-food joints or casinos, their signs flashing brightly. In Miami, the clubs are painted in vibrant colors reminiscent of Wes Anderson films. Prost's photos capture these striking venues against a variety of backdrops, from bustling urban areas to sparse desert landscapes.
While traveling, Prost sought permission to photograph the clubs during daylight to avoid suspicion. He found that most people were accommodating, with many showing enthusiasm for his project. Despite the often tantalizing promises made by the signs, the interiors rarely lived up to the expectations they set.
Prost was particularly surprised by how normalized strip clubs seemed in American culture, a stark contrast to Europe. He observed that visiting such venues was a common social activity, whether among friends or couples, and noted the prevalence of strip clubs that also functioned as restaurants, offering meals alongside entertainment.
The facades often featured humorous signs and pun-based names, such as “Booby Trap” and “Bottoms Up.” Prost’s objective approach allows viewers to interpret these images independently, highlighting the commodification of women while leaving their presence notably absent from his work.
Looking ahead, Prost plans to explore Japan’s love hotels, which serve a similar cultural role to strip clubs in the U. S. However, his American project offers a unique commentary on the country, suggesting that success in business can overshadow the nature of the activity, even when it involves sex.
Gentlemen’s Club will be on display at Agnes b. Galerie Boutique in Tokyo from March 17 to April 15, 2023. The book, published by Fisheye Editions, is currently available.
