French photographer François Prost took a road less traveled across America,aiming his lens not at landmarks but at overlooked strip clubs. His book,Gentlemen’s Club,shows the vibrant facades of these places, revealing how sex,gender,and commerce intertwine in American culture.
In 2019,Prost drove over 6,000 miles from Miami to Los Angeles in five weeks. He focused on club exteriors,not interiors or dancers. “I’d divide these venues into two types,” he said,contrasting those in public spaces with those more hidden. The former sit near amusement parks and fast food joints; latter blend with strip malls,especially in Bible Belt's conservative areas .
His interest comes from how these clubs clash with conservative American values. Despite their risqué nature,they're embedded in U.S. life . “The relationship that Americans seem to have with strip clubs is quite different to what you see in Europe,” Prost noted,seeing these visits as normalized social outings .
This project followed his series “After Party,” about French nightclub facades . Comparisons to American buildings led him to the U.S. There,he was struck by bold signage and architecture. Clubs in Las Vegas and Miami used bright colors and humor in their ads.
Prost approached clubs during day,asking to photograph facades. Most were open to it,managers often curious about his work. “99% of them would say yes to a facade picture,” he said,though some found his focus odd. Interiors often didn’t match the signage's allure.
His photos show surreal mix of humor and objectification. Facades have jokes and playful names like “Booby Trap” and “Bottoms Up.” His style lets viewers ponder these places without female bodies present . It's a commentary on commodification.
Prost saw more than aesthetics. Many Vegas strip clubs double as restaurants,offering meals with entertainment. “You could eat a big piece of meat while watching strippers,” he remarked,noting this American mix. Some clubs in Portland even serve vegan options.
Next,Prost plans to focus on Japan's love hotels,which hold similar cultural meaning. He sees these U.S. clubs as part of the American dream narrative,where business success overshadows the nature of services. “As long as you’re successful in terms of business,it doesn’t matter if your activity deals with sex,” he concluded.
Gentlemen’s Club will be shown at Agnes b. Galerie Boutique in Tokyo from March 17 to April 15,2023 . Published by Fisheye Editions,the book offers a glimpse into this unique slice of American life.
