BEYOND KINK

A collaborative documentary art project by Libelle Wien × Simon Chang

For one evening only, Libelle opens a small window into a world that usually exists only for the people who create it.

Beyond Kink is a collaborative documentary art project created by Libelle Wien together with Taiwanese photographer Simon Chang. Rather than photographing BDSM as spectacle, Simon is interested in the people behind it. His work explores the quiet moments between scenes, the relationships, the rituals, the trust, and the atmosphere that can only exist when people feel safe enough to be themselves.

Together, we want to create a documentary body of work about the beauty, intimacy, play and human connection that shape this community from within. Because Beyond Kink can only exist through the people who choose to become part of it.

About Simon
Simon Chang is a Taiwanese documentary photographer and artist currently based at MuseumsQuartier Vienna as an Artist in Residence.

For years, he has collaborated with communities across Europe, always following the same approach: listening first, building trust, and waiting for genuine moments instead of creating them.

As Simon says:
“My work is about those authentic moments when something of a person’s inner world becomes visible.”
That’s exactly why we invited him to Libelle.

https://simonchang.onfotomat.com/
https://www.instagram.com/simonchang30657073/
https://www.mqw.at/de/artists-in-residence/simon-chang/

The Evening

The evening begins together in our Story Space.
The Story Space is the communicative heart of the project. It’s a dedicated space for conversations, interviews and getting to know one another before the evening naturally unfolds into a special Open Evening.

As the night progresses, the boundaries between the Story Space and the rest of Libelle gradually disappear. Simon moves quietly through the different spaces, photographing whatever unfolds naturally, always with respect, trust and consent.

Joining the Project

If you’d like to become part of Beyond Kink, simply register via e-mail to info@libelle.at.

After registering, you’ll receive more information about the project together with a short questionnaire. This isn’t a selection process. It’s simply a way for us and Simon to get to know one another before the evening and to learn a little about the people whose stories will help shape the project.

As Simon speaks English, the entire event, including conversations and interviews, will be held in English. You don’t need perfect English, just enough to comfortably communicate.

What remains

When the evening is over, the artwork begins.

As a small thank you for taking part, every participant will receive a carefully selected print from the final series, chosen by Simon.

Not as a portrait, but as a shared memory of something that only existed because everyone helped create it.

Images & Consent

Trust and consent are at the heart of Beyond Kink.

Before the event, every participant will receive a detailed image consent agreement explaining exactly how photographs may be used. We encourage everyone to read it carefully, ask questions, and only take part if they genuinely feel comfortable becoming part of the project.

Participants decide what may or may not be photographed and are welcome to use masks or other forms of anonymity if they prefer not to be recognisable.

Beyond Kink is a collaborative documentary art project, not a commissioned photoshoot. Simon retains full artistic freedom in selecting and curating the final body of work. For that reason, there is no guarantee that every participant will appear in the final selection or receive individual photographs of themselves.

The completed work may later be presented in exhibitions, publications, artist books or other artistic formats, always within the scope of the consent agreed upon before the event.

If you’re unsure whether this project is right for you, we’re always happy to talk beforehand.

Participation fee: €25
Doors open: 18:00
Open End