In the upcoming Birds of Paradise exhibition, I bring together all the extraordinary, eccentric, independent, and vibrantly colorful individuals I’ve portrayed throughout The Zine Project. Through photography and installations, they share their unique stories with the world. As with some of my previous zine publications, I’ve paired each image with detailed descriptions and text fragments, offering a deeper understanding of who these individuals are and why I chose to photograph them.
My work focuses on the spontaneous connection between myself and my subjects, capturing those who embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal norms. It’s not about showcasing ‘oddness’—it’s about authenticity, improvisation, trust, and equality. This approach led to The Social Media Project in 2011, where for ten years, I portrayed eccentrics from around the world, often in their own homes, discovering their stories only during the shoot.
Step into the world of Birds of Paradise—a world of vibrant, colorful individuals—and leave with an Emotional Goodie Bag: a heartfelt invitation to embrace diversity and make it a part of your own social circle.
