NSFW | Interview: Shadow Gather - Nightlife, Authenticity, and Art as Resistance
There's a quiet chaos woven into nightlife—a collective breath held before the bass drops, glitter smudged across tired faces, laughter echoing in alleyways just before dawn. Shadow Gather understands this. Her photography captures those moments that happen between breaths, where everything is unguarded, honest, and electric. Featured at Meow Wolf during the Month of Photography Denver, her instant photography exhibition isn’t just art—it’s an act of rebellion, an ode to the unseen, the gritty, and the beautifully unpolished spaces where authenticity thrives despite the world's attempts to sanitize or erase them.
This rebellion is more than aesthetic; it’s deeply rooted in capturing nightlife as a space of liberation. Through her lens, Shadow Gather documents not just moments, but people—drag performers whose transformative power emerges in smoky rooms, dancers who lose themselves under the glow of neon lights, and revelers who find sanctuary from everyday constraints. Each instant film snapshot, with its imperfections and unpredictable textures, mirrors the raw authenticity of the individuals and communities who resist being defined by daylight's polished expectations.
At its heart, her photography is activism—an ongoing visual protest against the erasure of marginalized communities and spaces. It’s a passionate defense of the right to exist boldly, visibly, and unapologetically. Shadow Gather’s work on instant and 35mm film embodies her philosophy: embracing imperfections not as flaws but as the very essence of truth. Her work challenges viewers to reconsider nightlife not as a frivolous escape, but as an essential cultural refuge where identity, creativity, and freedom flourish despite social pressures to conform.
Her latest exhibition at Meow Wolf Denver, entitled "In Club We Trust," uniquely amplifies this narrative by merging her vivid, raw photographs with Meow Wolf’s renowned immersive experiences. Part of the prestigious Month of Photography hosted by the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, this collaboration elevates her documentary-style photography into an interactive narrative, inviting viewers into an underground world usually hidden from mainstream eyes. This interview delves deeper into Shadow Gather’s artistic journey, her bold choice of instant photography, and why now, more than ever, it's crucial to spotlight and preserve the authentic voices thriving within nightlife’s rebellious heart.
INTERVIEW
Michael Behlen: We first crossed paths at your 2023 Leon Gallery exhibition, where I first noticed your work. What initially drew you to capturing nightlife on instant film, and how did your journey lead to exhibiting at Leon Gallery?
Shadow Gather: I’ve always been drawn to places where people can be their messiest, loudest, realest selves. Warehouse raves, punk dives, and drag nights that stretch into morning. There’s something about those spaces that feels like actual life, not the filtered, polished version you see everywhere else. Instant film just fits that world. It’s raw and unpredictable and refuses to be tamed. When clubs shut down during the pandemic, I started hanging out in galleries instead. Free wine, weird art, something to do—but a lot of it felt flat, too quiet, too careful, too pretty. I kept thinking this should be more fun. My photos—sweaty, chaotic, alive—felt like the antidote. Leon Gallery had been into my work for a while, and when I was finally ready to put it up on white walls, they were all in. To me, these photos were fine art. Turns out they agreed.
Saline Conjure 666 (@salineconjure666), Desire (@1.800.desire), Musk Rat (@muskthedirtyrat)
MB: Your photography represents both the raw 'messiness' of nightlife—where people can shed their daily masks and be unfiltered and those in-between moments of transformation, where a persona gives way to true self. Can you explain what ‘mess’ means to you in this context and what fascinates you about these transitional moments?
SG: It’s about people being authentic. I think often, when you’re at work, you put on a professional face, and when you’re with your family, you filter yourself. In nightlife, you can be who you want to be: you can be chaotic, fun, and unfiltered. You can dress up, or even pretend you’re the most glamorous person—like a millionaire or even a clown. You just can’t do that in a Zoom meeting. It’s that moment at the end of the work week when you get to let go and be real, raw, and free. And that’s where the magic is: the moments between the stage and real life, between confidence and vulnerability, between putting on a persona and letting it slip—there’s so much truth in those in-between spaces, more than in any perfectly posed shot. I’ve seen how on TV, drag is overly pretty and glamorous, but that’s not what happens on the weekends or in local bars. Out there, you witness raw moments, real transformation that happens when the makeup fades and the mask drops. Those fleeting instances capture the very essence of who people are when they’re not confined by expectations or perfection.
MB: Many of your Polaroids feature playful imperfections—light flares, chemical smudges, and raw textures. How did you develop the confidence to embrace these ‘mistakes’ as part of your aesthetic?
SG: When you’re surrounded by people who embrace the mess—whether it’s a DIY punk band playing through a half-broken amp or a drag perforfmer making a look out of duct tape—you stop caring about ‘perfection’ in the way boring people define it. Mistakes are where the best shit happens. I felt like I cheated because I was using 35-millimeter disposable cameras; I’ve tried regular 35-millimeter cameras, but I just can’t wind them properly. I got photos back from Mike’s camera, and I had my stack of Polaroids, and then I put together that show. It might have felt a little rushed, but I liked the work, and those imperfections speak to the raw authenticity of the moment.
Noveli (@accentonthei)
Thee Fiasco (@thee.fiasco)
MB: Some view ‘nightlife’ as fleeting or frivolous, but you treat it with deep care. Where do you find the deeper meaning in clubs, bars, and alternative spaces?
SG: The people. Nightlife isn’t just about drinking and dancing—it’s where outsiders find their people, where weirdos build something outside the system. If everyone just wore cargo shorts and polos and clocked in and out of their suburban lives, the world would be unbearable. These spaces give people room to be something more. And on the weekends, you can be who you want to be. That’s the time when you really come alive, when the conversation starts happening, when you can dress up and have fun, and even pretend like you're the most glamorous person—like a millionaire—buying drinks and taking shots with friends. These spaces give people room to be something more."
MB: Your work is both a documentation of underground life and a form of activism. How do you see documenting these spaces as an act of resistance?
SG: There’s no line between art and advocacy. The act of documenting these spaces—queer spaces, underground parties, punk shows—is inherently a form of resistance. Mainstream America either ignores them or tries to sanitize them, so if you’re not photographing it, it’s easier for the world to pretend it never existed. I don’t know if it’s really for me personally or as a political statement for my friends, but a lot of us can’t be who we are day to day in a corporate world with filters and facades. Capturing these raw, unfiltered moments is simply about preserving what is real and fighting against erasure so that our true selves continue to exist.
Lisa Frank 666 (@lisafrank666) and Belle Fegore (No instagram)
MB: In your view, what is the most misunderstood aspect of the subcultures you photograph, and how do you see your work challenging those misconceptions?
SG: You know, I think every subculture thinks that they are so different. They do—they think they’re like the last hip hoppers on the planet or that the punk scene is so different and so hardcore. Every single scene has this sense of pride, which I totally understand, but I've gotten nervous going to a scene that I haven't been to before, just to take photographs and really experience it. And what I've noticed is that while they think they're so different, they really aren't; they're all so kind, so welcoming. My work challenges those misconceptions by capturing that shared humanity and showing that beneath all the differences, everyone is very similar.
MB: Your previous exhibit, 'Shadow Banned,' featured photos flagged or removed by algorithms. How do you see online censorship intersecting with cultural biases against marginalized communities?
SG: It’s no accident that corporate social media is fine with frat boys shotgun-ing beers but freaks out over a queer body, a drag performer, or someone simply existing outside of what’s considered ‘safe’ for mainstream audiences. Censorship is just another way to erase culture that doesn’t fit the mold. The algorithms don’t understand the beauty of raw, unfiltered expression. By documenting these moments, I challenge that sanitized narrative. My work stands as proof that even if mainstream channels try to suppress it, the truth of these communities cannot be erased. It’s a quiet rebellion against a system that values perfection over authenticity and diversity.
Geo Conjure (@geoconjure)
Lisa Frank 666 (@lisafrank666)
MB: What impact does online criticism have on you, and how do you navigate harsh feedback in your creative journey?
SG: I’ve had comments like, 'I hope she finds Jesus' or 'I hope she gets a real camera.' There are plenty of people who say there are better photographers. When I first started taking my work seriously, I wanted to be a fine artist, even though I didn’t go to art school or get an art degree. A photographer I looked up to once told me, 'It’s gonna be really hard for you to be an instant photographer. You should get a digital camera.' I was so offended by that—it pushed me forward. I still shoot with my phone and 35-millimeter disposables, and I probably won’t ever get a digital camera just for that one guy. That criticism, harsh as it was, only made me more determined to stay true to my style and vision.
MB: What does it mean to you to exhibit your work at Meow Wolf, and how does that opportunity fit into your vision for capturing nightlife?
SG: It’s been a goal of mine to work with Meow Wolf on some sort of capacity. Meow Wolf reached out, and it just made sense. Their whole thing is building alternate worlds, and nightlife is its own kind of alternate world. It’s a perfect fit. When clubs shut down during the pandemic, I started hanging out in galleries instead—free wine, weird art, something to do—but a lot of it felt flat, too quiet, too careful, too pretty. I kept thinking this should be more fun. My photos—sweaty, chaotic, alive—felt like the antidote. Exhibiting at Meow Wolf lets me show that raw, unfiltered truth in a space that celebrates authenticity over polish.
MB: How did preparing for the Meow Wolf exhibit, and seeing your unedited, analog work displayed on gallery walls, affect your creative confidence?
SG: I was embarrassed at first when I saw my scanned work on the wall because I was so used to digital perfection and filters. But then I realized that my work is about capturing the real, unfiltered moment, and that’s what people appreciate. Exhibiting in places like Meow Wolf proved there’s a place for analog authenticity in the art world, and that raw truth has a powerful impact, even if it isn’t polished. It gave me a little more confidence in my work, affirming that authenticity is what truly matters.
MB: What responsibility do you believe artists have in preserving underground subcultures that might otherwise fade away due to gentrification and commercialization?
SG: If we don’t do it, no one else will. The world moves fast, and gentrification, capitalism, and corporate ‘culture’ will steamroll anything that isn’t profitable. If you don’t document it, it’s like it never happened. I always feel a commitment to the community every time I take photos, because someone’s always gonna be in my DM asking where those moments are. I don’t take money from venues—I always tell them, ‘I want good hospitality; I want to get in for free.’ If you can throw me a drink ticket or let me go backstage, that is all I need. Film is expensive, and if I have the chance to pay for it, I will, to ensure these moments are preserved.
MB: How do you view your photography as a time capsule for Denver’s underground scene, especially as venues disappear due to gentrification?
SG: The underground scene in Denver is constantly being pushed further to the edges. Venues disappear, but the energy stays. My photos are proof that this city has always had something more interesting than just breweries and mountain bros. Every shot I take captures a piece of the city’s raw, unfiltered soul. Even as gentrification changes the landscape, the spirit of these underground spaces endures. My photography is a record of those vibrant nights—of people living authentically despite the odds—ensuring that the memory of these spaces remains alive, even if the physical venues vanish over time.
The Fiasco (@thee.fiasco)
Plowing Bull (@plowingbull) - Image part of the series, but not shown in Meow Wolf. Analog forever Exclusive.
MB: What do you hope future generations will remember about the underground scene through your photographs?
SG: I hope my photography serves as a lasting record of a time when not everyone gave in to the suburbs, the breweries, or the beige corporate world. My work captures the raw, chaotic beauty of underground life—its authenticity, resistance, and the passion of those who refused to conform. I want future generations to see that there was a time when people fought to keep the world weird, when they dared to be different. These images are a visual manifesto that celebrates the unpredictable, unedited truth of life, reminding everyone that authenticity and creativity are worth preserving, no matter the cost."
MB: Finally, could you tell us about your craziest night out with your camera? What was that experience like, and what did it reveal about the world of underground nightlife?
SG: My favorite, my craziest night out—I hung out with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony at a basement bar in Lodo. I remember taking shots with them while they were smoking blunts—apparently, you were supposed to smoke pot in bars. I just remember really enjoying that lifestyle, being able to take a little peek inside a world that wasn’t even part of my everyday life. It was like being a fly on the wall, completely immersed in a scene so different from my sheltered upbringing on a cattle farm. I’ve always loved watching people, learning from their passion and the way they interact. That night was raw, unexpected, and unforgettable.
Note from Shadow: This exhibit wasn’t solely a showcase of my work as a photographer; it was made possible by the performers who trusted me to capture their images and shared in my creative vision. The people who show up, who bring the energy, who support— they are the reason the work resonates. The night that I captured was produced by Noveli, the visionary behind Koven, a queer occult gathering seven years in the making. At Koven, drag, performance art, and ritual converge to create space for transformation. It is a sanctuary for outsiders, where queerness is sacred, performance is catharsis, and the stage becomes an altar. The individuals in these portraits are more than subjects. They are artists, healers, and visionaries. I am honored to document their magic.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shadow Gather, known best for her nightlife photography using non-conventional techniques, such as pairing a Fuji Instax Neo Classic Mini with lighting from an iPhone flashlight, to create striking instant photographs that preserve and celebrate underground culture. In her photos you’ll find energetic portraits from a mixture of scenes, gutter punks, drag artists and creatures of the night. Shadow produces her own community events and productions with all-inclusive casts of punks, drag performers, live music and interactive art. Her events have ranged from underground warehouse raves, photography socials and her own productions of offbeat theater with an array of unique performers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Behlen is an instant film addict and the founder and publisher of Analog Forever Magazine. Behlen is an obsessive community organizer in the film photography world, having previously launched the independent publishing projects PRYME Magazine and PRYME Editions, two enterprises dedicated to the art of instant film. Through these endeavors, he has featured and published 250+ artists from around the globe via his print and online publications.
He has self-published two Polaroid photobooks -“Searching for Stillness, Vol. 1” and “I Was a Pioneer,” literally a boxed set of his instant film work. His latest book, Searching for Stillness Vol II was published in 2020 by Static Age.
Behlen’s Polaroid photography can be found in various publications including Diffusion Magazine, Fraction Magazine, Seities Magazine, and Polaroid Now (Chronicle Books, 2021). He loves the magic sensuality of instant film: its saturated, surreal colors; the unpredictability of the medium; its addictive qualities as you watch it develop. He spends his time shooting instant film and backpacking in the California wilderness, usually a combination of the two. Connect with Michael Behlen on his Website and on Instagram!
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Shadow Gather’s photos unveil nightlife’s raw, electric energy as spaces of defiant authenticity. Her Meow Wolf exhibition elevates marginalized stories, embracing imperfections as vital truths. Each image is a protest against sanitization, celebrating unguarded moments of liberation.