Recently at Fleur du Mal in New York, an exhibition of photographs by Abbey Drucker entitled “Night Sessions” unfolded to the public. Now on view online with limited-edition prints available for purchase, the solo show featured works from two of Drucker’s series: ”Flowers from Lovers,” created during the pandemic and inspired by grief, loss, love, and rebirth, shows wilted and decayed flowers; “Figure Studies” reveals intimate photographs that embrace movement and the female form.
More than a presentation of photographs that playfully guide the eye to trace florals on the body, “Night Sessions” aims to embrace self-love, sensuality, and new beginnings. Timed to the exhibition, an intimate talk between Drucker, Fleur du Mal’s founder, Jennifer Zuccarini, and Cindy Gallop of MakeLoveNotPorn was held last month.
“Night Sessions” Projects Self-Love
“The talk we hosted with Cindy Gallop and Abbey Drucker was to have an open discussion about the social sex revolution and to encourage the pursuit of pleasure,” Zuccarini said. “We all approach this conversation from different backgrounds—from creating a safe space to enjoy and share real sex content to cultivating desire through what we wear and accessories to enhance our intimate life, to art that captures and celebrates the female form in the most sensual way. A highlight for me was hearing both Cindy and Abbey’s origin stories and how courageously they approach their work and life.”
Abbey Drucker and Jennfier Zuccarini, courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
“I’ve been a longtime fan and friend of Abbey’s; we were just waiting for the right moment to collaborate,” Zuccarini continued. “Abbey and I started talking about this project, and she began curating an incredible show for us called ‘Night Sessions’, where she photographed burlesque artists with projections of flowers. I relate to her work in that it represents strength, beauty, and desire. All of my favorite things.”
In celebration of “Night Sessions,” Whitewall spoke with Zuccarini and Drucker about female empowerment and art that embraces strength, vulnerability, and independence.
How Fleur du Mal Embraces Empowerment
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WHITEWALL: Jennifer, Fleur du Mal has evolved into a brand that supports activism, art, and cross-pollination. What have been your thoughts on bringing this 360-degree approach to life?
JENNIFER ZUCCARINI: From the inception of Fleur du Mal, I’ve been interested in exploring the experience people have with us as a brand beyond just apparel. I think people want to connect with brands on an emotional and aspirational level and share a similar ethos. I try to bring value to our community by exploring topics, people, and things that I’m inspired by and want to learn more about.
Jennfier Zuccarini, courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WW: How does Fleur du Mal stand for female empowerment? What does it encourage its audience to seek, do, enjoy, or embrace?
JZ: Fleur du Mal inspires people to embrace and celebrate their sexuality, I think that is empowering. We need to make pleasure more of a priority and I hope our audience sees that in what we do.
WW: What are you working on this summer?
JZ: We are expanding our sexual wellness collection, which is very exciting. I’m also planning to open more retail stores that also function as cultural hubs for Fleur, where we can bring our community together for fun and engaging events like this one.
From Hardship to Rebirth
Abbey Drucker, FIGURE 3, 2023, archival pigment print, 16 x 20in. | 40.64 x 50.8 cm, courtesy of Abbey Drucker.
WW: Abbey, for this series, you mentioned you wanted to work with women and “help them feel independent and beautiful and safe again” because you hadn’t done that since before the pandemic. How does “Night Sessions” do that, and celebrate independence?
AD: “Night Sessions” was my debut of “Figure Studies” since the pandemic. Having had limited access to humans during that time made me reevaluate what I wanted to focus on. “Flowers from Lovers,” created during the pandemic, originated from a life experience of hardship that eventually evolved into rebirth.
Models featured are professional burlesque dancers who specialize in the art of seduction. It was intentional and important for me to represent figures standing alone, symbolizing strength, independence, and softness. We can be many things.
WW: What values or ideas do you and the Fleur Du Mal brand have in common?
AD: We both normalize desire, sensuality, and embracing our bodies and bring sexually liberal feminism to the table. That is often unspoken about.
Photographs That Embrace Compassion
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WW: Your practice centers on the female experience, and many of your images explore empowerment and the gaze. What do you hope your images communicate?
AD: My practice focuses on self-love and compassion; the idea that we are all unique. I want women to feel seen, heard, safe, and embrace exactly who they are. I am aware this takes work and healing, but I am here for it.
WW: How have the ideas behind your images evolved over the years?
AD: Human connection, skin, and sexual expression have been an inspiration for me since the beginning of my photographic journey at 16 years old. I was my first nude model in self-portraits followed by friends and models, eventually building a body of work that accumulated trust in art and advertising, leading to collaborations with renowned figures in entertainment, fashion, and dance.
From Art to Activism
Abbey Drucker, Figure 8, 2023, archival pigment print, 24 X 36in. | 60.96 x 91.44 cm, courtesy of Abbey Drucker.
WW: How do you hope women embrace themselves, especially now, at a time when there is an all-time high debate around our bodies and freedom?
AD: By initiating conversations and creating art to normalize the topics of sexual pleasure and independence. Helping women understand that they are supported is deeply important to me, both in and out of the studio. With women’s rights and women’s health constantly under constraint, I feel that providing a safe space to discuss topics of Women’s health, mental health sexuality is essential. Continuing to create art that destigmatizes shame around sex and challenges restrictions on our bodies. The fact that men and the government is still making health decisions and censorship over our bodies and that we have limited access to healthcare and women’s rights is infuriating.
WW: Can you share more details about what you’re working on this spring and summer?
AD: I’m currently working on two new series this spring and summer. One, titled “Sex Ed,” is being created in the studio. The second involves exploring the natural world on location; it’s currently “Untitled.” I’m in the process of editing my first book and preparing for a new campaign launch.
