What a difference a decade makes | Photo: Provided/Dmitry Bocharov
In a brand new series of photography books, Russian artist and producer Alexander Abramov (better known as Abramov Lex) bares all to share his transformation as a gay man.
Uncovered is a five book series featuring stunning photography and notes from Abramov’s personal diary.
‘I started keeping journals 18 years ago,’ the Instagram star said.
‘My diary is about awareness of my homosexuality… It is also about human imperfection and struggle, drugs and fears, scars and past troubles. On the whole, it tells of becoming the man I have wanted to be: a man who is able to inspire others to makes changes for the better.’
Posing for more than 5,000 photos, Abramov depicts five characters: a Wrangler, a Mercenary, a Woodsman, a Journeyman, and a Seafarer. Russian photographer Dima Bocharov shot the books.
‘I knew it would be a long process, but as a person who has never been a professional model and also never published a book before, I had no idea it would be this challenging,’ Abramov said.
A shot from Uncovered | Photo: Provided/Dmitry Bocharov
Life is better with honesty
Abramov was born in the Republic of Kazakhstan and grew up as a young adult in Russia.
The idea for the book series came after he moved to New York City from Moscow in 2015. He wanted to create something using photography to share stories and inspire the LGBTQ community.
‘I’m a man who is not afraid to open his soul,’ he said.
‘Аfter all, I always remember, life only gets better when we are able to be honest and when we are willing to give something to others, especially our spirits.’
Abramov in the book series | Photo: Provided/Dmitry Bocharov
He’s donating 10% of the books’ proceeds to the Russian LGBT Network.
Being confident to bare all
At the age of 20, Abramov began going to the gym.
‘I grew up a very sick child,’ he revealed.
‘I had problems with my lungs and at the age of 13, I underwent a serious operation on my intestines, which left me hospitalized for four months and put an end to my normal existence as a man.’
After that experience, he was tall at 6’2, but ‘very skinny, probably around 130 pounds’.
Feeling thirsty? | Photo: Provided/Dmitry Bocharov
It took over a decade to reach his current weight, but he still had to garner confidence to pose nude.
He said it was hard to be ‘naturally sexy, appear relaxed and to not pose too much’.
Abramov concluded: ‘I hope these beautiful images will resonate and inspire people to be the best versions of themselves, inside and out, as well as inspire them to travel to gorgeous places and live outside of their comfort zones.’
Volume 1 and 2 are available on Abramov’s website.
