Nose piercings in nirvana: Felicity Ingram captures the giddy freedom of the global techno community

As interconnected as it is beautifully varied and diverse, the global techno scene is the subject of a new photobook by fashion photographer Felicity Ingram — who spent two years documenting the joy and fellowship experienced by 140+ devotees around the world.

Technophoria features images taken across the last two years in iconic cities such as Berlin, Tokyo, London, Lisbon and more; capturing the energy, creativity and raw emotion of the people who shape the scene. The 220-page book was inspired by Ingram's own time spent in the techno scene, alongside her work as a fashion photographer for the likes of Vogue, Dazed, WSJ, I-D and brands such as Valentino, YSL, Clarins and more.

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We caught up with Felicity Ingram to ask speak about the inspirations behind Technophoria and the potential for techno to provide escapism for subcultures around the world. Read the Q&A and check out a selection of images from the book, below.

Where did the idea come from to create this book?

The idea came from my time growing up in the alternative scene, and seeing the same goth and punk looks reflected in London’s techno scene today. There’s a rawness to it, especially with the fashion students who bring such DIY creativity to their party looks. It feels like a continuation of those subcultures, just reimagined. I wanted to document this movement in time because it feels important, like a response to everything happening culturally, politically, and digitally.

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What do you think it is about techno nights right now that have so many people hooked? Do you think techno provides a sense of a escapism?

Absolutely. The repetitive, hypnotic nature of techno has always been a form of release, but I think it feels even more essential now. With the constant noise of social media and doom-scrolling, being fully immersed in sound, where time dissolves and movement takes over. It’s a rare moment of presence, of being part of something bigger than yourself.

Can you tell us about some of the nights that inspired you? do you have any favourite parties?

There are so many. The first Bang Face nights in the '00s—when I was definitely too young to be in there. Free parties in Bristol as a teenager gave me my first real taste of dance music. And of course, Berghain."

Have you got any anecdotes behind shooting/compiling Technophoria? maybe a lovely moment that you feel summed up the process?

Our time in Seoul really stands out. The community was so welcoming, they took us around to all the local techno nights and made us feel part of the community. And our time at Whole Festival Berlin, were me and Emma Matell the casting director danced for hours after we finished shooting. That’s what Technophoria is about, these scenes that exist outside the mainstream, built by the people who live for them.

Felicity Ingram's Technophoria is available via Antenna Books for £50, buy it here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter