Alexander Ekholm, Exhalation

London, UK – A striking new photography exhibition, "Exhalation," by the artist Alexander Ekholm, opens its doors at Algha’s Plantroom in London, offering a profound exploration of queer intimacy, vulnerability, and ecstatic joy through the lens of the human form. The exhibition, which launched with a private view on March 19th, 2026, and runs until March 20th, 2026, features 28 compelling images that delve into the multifaceted nature of connection and self-expression. Ekholm, a queer artist whose practice is uniquely informed by a decade of childhood karate training and a subsequent deep engagement with dance, presents a body of work that prioritizes the communicative power of the body over explicit facial representation.

Ekholm’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in movement and physical discipline. "I did it for ten years as a child," Ekholm shared in an interview with Dazed, referring to karate. "It’s a very controlled form of movement, and it’s all about maximising potential: how fast can you kick, how balanced can you move?" This early discipline instilled a profound understanding of precision, control, and the maximization of physical capability. However, after concluding their martial arts journey, Ekholm found a more liberating and emotionally resonant form of expression through dance. "When I dance, I can understand emotions that I didn’t even know I had," they explained. "It’s become one of my main mediums, and the way that bodies move is very prominent in my work." This evolution from the structured discipline of karate to the fluid expressiveness of dance is a central theme that underpins the aesthetic and conceptual framework of "Exhalation."

Relocating to London three years prior to the exhibition’s opening marked a significant period of personal and artistic growth for Ekholm. Describing the experience as "very expansive," London provided a fertile ground for their artistic development. Initially trained in industrial design, Ekholm transitioned their focus to visual arts and photography. Their early career included notable commissions, such as documenting the vibrant WHOLE Festival for Dazed, showcasing an early aptitude for capturing dynamic cultural events. "Exhalation" serves as a testament to this journey, acting as both a personal reflection and a celebration of the London queer community, a space where Ekholm has cultivated a strong sense of belonging. The exhibition seeks to encapsulate the moments of intimacy, tenderness, vulnerability, and sheer ecstasy that define this community.

A Curatorial Framework: Intimacy in Three Acts

The exhibition is meticulously structured into three distinct sections, each exploring a different facet of intimacy: "captured intimacy," "personal intimacy," and "constructed intimacy." This tripartite division allows for a nuanced examination of how intimacy is perceived, experienced, and represented. Across these sections, Ekholm employs a combination of digital and film photography, utilizing diverse shooting environments ranging from intimate studio settings to the high-octane energy of queer parties, and the personal sanctuary of their own homes. One particularly striking image, capturing a close friend emerging from the ocean under a brilliant blue sky, was taken during a trip to Greece, adding an international dimension to the personal narratives within the exhibition.

Beyond figurative photography, "Exhalation" also features an abstract work created by capturing the embers of a flame through a long exposure. Ekholm describes this piece as integral to the exhibition’s overarching message. "It’s an abstract depiction of how I see my own worldview: this soft wave of calm, and a lot of black, which is essentially the unknown," they elaborated. "In life, there are moments of peak energy when we’re incredibly happy – when we travel, or we get a new job – but the base level [for me] is this peace." This abstract representation offers a visual metaphor for Ekholm’s personal philosophy, juxtaposing moments of intense joy and achievement against a foundation of enduring serenity and acceptance of the unknown.

The Body as a Unifying Language

A deliberate choice within "Exhalation" is the infrequent inclusion of faces. This omission is central to Ekholm’s artistic intent. "A face tells such a strong story, and eyes dictate what you’re allowed to feel," Ekholm stated. "This exhibition is instead about the body as a form of communication, because bodies can’t lie in the same way." By focusing on the physical form, Ekholm aims to bypass the potential for narrative imposition that faces can create, allowing viewers to engage with a more primal, unmediated form of emotional resonance. The bodies depicted are often in states of embrace, with arched backs and entwined limbs, conveying a sense of poise, coiled energy, and a balletic elegance rather than confrontation.

The subjects featured in "Exhalation" are exclusively queer individuals, many of whom Ekholm has cultivated friendships with both before and during the photographic process. Despite these pre-existing relationships, Ekholm’s guiding principle was to ensure that personal dynamics did not overshadow the authenticity of the captured moment. "I don’t want to interfere with what’s happening," they emphasized. "One of my guiding principles [as an artist] is that I don’t disturb the energy. I want to bring out the most authentic expression in people and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Even when there’s a narrative, or it’s a pre-constructed image, I don’t want the emotions to be constructed." This commitment to fostering an environment of trust and comfort is paramount to achieving the unvarnished, spontaneous intimacy that characterizes the exhibition.

Eroticism, Tranquility, and Spiritual Resonance

The images within "Exhalation" possess a palpable erotic charge, with some explicitly depicting nudity. However, Ekholm intentionally imbues these scenes with an air of tranquility and calmness, consciously moving away from gratuitous titillation. "The message is about the power of softness," Ekholm explained to Dazed. "It almost reflects my spiritual beliefs. If you let everyone be who they are without interfering too much, we will have much more peace and everyone will be much happier. I think the exhibition comes together under that." This perspective suggests a deeper philosophical undercurrent, linking artistic expression to a broader belief in acceptance and non-interference as pathways to collective well-being.

Influences and Community: A Tapestry of Inspiration

Ekholm’s artistic practice is further enriched by a profound connection to sound and music. "I think sound is the best medium, because it’s so intuitive and it’s instantly emotive; you know what you feel when you hear something. So electronic music is a strong influence," they noted. This appreciation for the immediate emotional impact of sound likely informs the visceral and emotive quality of their visual work.

The contemporary art landscape also plays a significant role in shaping Ekholm’s vision. They cite influences across various mediums, with a particular focus on artists and collectives that engage with the body and its inherent intelligence. This includes fashion designers such as Michaela Stark, the design collective playbody, latex wear designer Abi Cotgrove, visual artist Hezen, and DJs like Juliana Huxtable and DJ Fashion. These contemporary figures, through their distinct approaches to form, desire, and cultural expression, contribute to the intellectual and aesthetic framework of "Exhalation."

"I draw influence from all the people I encounter who actively utilise their body and embrace bodily intelligence, from the people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and the community I have found a home in," Ekholm concluded. "Exhalation" stands as a vibrant testament to this ethos, capturing the "sweaty, sensuous glory" of the queer community that has become Ekholm’s adopted home. The exhibition not only showcases individual artistry but also celebrates the collective spirit and profound human connections that define contemporary queer life in London.

The exhibition "Exhalation" by Alexander Ekholm is on display at Algha’s Plantroom, London, from 11 am to 8 pm on March 20th, 2026. The private view was held on March 19th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with powerful imagery that transcends conventional representation, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound and often understated language of the human body.