This series analyzes the public attitude towards queer people and how many aspects of today's society leave LGBTQIA individuals feeling abandoned by the world around them. These eight images were shot just north of the Adobe Dam, the pureness and deepness of the black that surrounds them provides a blanket of protection to hide their acts of passion in the night. Just as much as the night protects the queer community it is also isolating, between ferocious attacks from our government and persistent social scrutiny being queer seems to be getting harder every day. Two images were made of each individual, the first influenced by a renaissance style painting representing the history of this community and the tribulations they have overcome, while the other is more fluid and relates form to emotion. As the light gently bathes the subjects they invite us into their secret moment alone in the desert. A chair acts as their home, their comfort, as they wait in the dark for another seeking the same sinful gratification.
Jamil Hellu is a modern day, queer, photographer whose work heavily inspired this as the posing and unique artifacts of the images help identify key aspects of the subjects identity before the image. Delicate memories and several generations of heritage are held within the four items presented by the subjects. They share their culture, hardships, and triumphs with us in the hope of forming a connection.
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