AFTER LIFE

by Michele Baron


The eight publication from SMUT Press is After Life, the debut photobook by London-based, Italian photographer Michele Baron. Known for his spontaneous and punchy photographic style, Baron captures the underground queer communities and techno clubbing scenes of London, Paris, and Berlin. Through intimate portrayals of friends, lovers, and vibrant subcultures, After Life presents one of the largest selections of Baron’s impressive archive and offers an unflinching visual diary of these marginalized yet dynamic worlds.

With over a decade of experience behind the lens of his 35mm camera, Baron has developed a raw, close-knit relationship with many of his subjects, which translates into an authentic and sincere portrayal of their lives. Thoughtfully assembled and designed by John Philip Sage, the hardcover publication features over 250 images that immortalise the striking figures that have made the club their life’s devotion. The resulting work speaks to both the exhilaration of bustling dancefloors and the tender, intimate moments shared in more private, domestic spaces. Featuring accompanying texts by Davide Meneghello and Nimco Kulmiye Hussein, After Life speaks to a duality of the human experience—simultaneously raw and vulnerable, celebratory and somber—echoing the influence of celebrated artists Nan Goldin, Larry Clark and Harmony Korine, amongst others.

While Baron’s images document lives often lived at the margins of society, they also serve as powerful tools for visibility and representation. Resisting over-politicization, Baron’s work offers an honest, unapologetic view of queer lives, celebrating their complexities with sensitivity and boldness.

Baron’s work has appeared in numerous acclaimed publications, including Dazed, i-D, Playful, and Uncertain Magazine. His zines, which have been self-published and showcased at renowned fairs, have garnered attention for their candid, unfiltered look at underground queer life. Most recently, his photography was featured in the In Between: A Latinx Takeover exhibition at V&A East, where images from the iconic London party 2C-Perrea were displayed.
After Life launches at Paris Ass Book Fair at Palais de Tokyo from May 16th-18th 2025 and at Reference Point, London on May 23rd. Distribution in partnership with Public Knowledge Books. Stockists to be announced. SMUT Press is supported by Culture Ireland.

After Life
Michele Baron
London, U.K, 2025. 

Design by John Philip Sage
Words by Davide Meneghello and Nimco Kulmiye Hussein
ISBN  978-1-0684555-0-6
Typeset in Kolonia by Dominik Bissem
Printed in an edition of 450 in Lithuania by KOPA
Paper G-print 100 g/m2

Distributed by Public Knowledge Books.
Proudly supported by Culture Ireland. 

©️ SMUT Press (2024) 

*ORDERS SHIPPING FROM MAY 23, 2025 ONWARDS*