Semblance

Semblance explores the relationships between identity, self-perception, external projection, and human interconnection through a photographic series. Informed by the philosophy of self-projection, I invite my subjects into an intimate and collaborative process of self-expression and visualization. 

I style and photograph each subject in an environment that is unfamiliar to them, visualizing myself and how I relate to them. They are then given the opportunity to do the same to me, allowing them to visualize how they see me and themselves. This moment gives us both the space to become part of the other and blur the perception of self. Lastly, I take an individual portrait of each subject and one of myself, as we want to be perceived, dressed as we are, and in a space we resonate with. This edition gives a basis for each person's outward expression of identity to provide a well-rounded idea of each person’s sense of self.

This conversation is a way for me to explore and navigate my identity and make sense of my connection with others, which in turn, has a social experimental aspect. I confront the release of control, balancing the tension between authorship and collaboration. I am learning about who I am, how I want to be seen, how others perceive me, and how I see myself in them. A visual dialogue—one that invites others to shape and challenge my self-perception, and allows me to challenge theirs. I do wonder, even through all these layers of experimentation, if outward expression could ever really be the rawest projection of the self.

In collaboration with Morgan Monette, Dreamy Monroe Morgan, Luca Shapiro, Krystal Fortune, Jess Barnes, Marcus Cates, Lucy Rosa Blanca Gaehring, and Jada Gilman. (In order of sequence)