Spirits, Actors, and Personal Heroes

Humans need heroes. That need is likely stronger given our current cultural pluralism, societal fragmentation, and the proliferation of raw information. Heroes vanquish chaos. Even the more human-like antihero manages to do the right thing in the midst of shortcomings and personal turmoil. The idea of the hero is a steady beacon shining in the storm of data streaming from our screens. 

I am interested in the exuberant energy, care, and pride I observed in the cosplay community. It’s a community created by participants in the vast marketplace of celluloid and comic book heroes. Cosplayers spontaneously bond over their shared fandoms as well as their willingness to briefly become their characters. Complete strangers will act out a moment in some epic story, that nexus being the focal point for this human connection. 

I am fascinated by the inventiveness and passion in cosplayers. Their props and costumes clearly represent a huge investment of time and energy. I love the mashups, humor and the playful, inventive use of materials. The friends or families who play different roles in some mythic universe speak to this as well. 

My wood and brass camera as well as some of my own costuming were mechanisms to access moments from my subjects. After a couple of minutes of holding a pose, only one exposure was typically made. The subjects were only encouraged to be who they were. My hope is that these images simply represent some small part of this wonderful community.