Alexis Kleshik

My photographic series Grand Street Strippers provides an insider’s look at the lives of Brooklyn strippers, capturing their professional experiences and the broader complexities of their identities. The vibrantly colored images highlight a unique community of dancers celebrated for their expressiveness, close friendships, and mutual support, which collectively foster a distinctive club atmosphere. Captured in intimate urban settings, the dancers are presented not only as performers but also as multifaceted individuals. I collaborated closely with the dancers to ensure that they maintained agency in their portrayal. Through my work, I challenge stereotypes about sex work and encourage viewers to feel a connection with those within the profession.