The Portrait project & Artist Books
The Portrait Project – Artist Books is an ongoing body of work where photography and autobiographical narrative come together to create intimate, handcrafted artist books. Each volume lovingly honors the individual it portrays, capturing not only their image but also their voice, story, and presence.
This work exists as a living archive—a counterpoint to the ongoing erasure of queer lives and histories. By centering those who are often overlooked or misrepresented, the project celebrates the unique beauty and resilience of each participant. These books are not just portraits; they are acts of preservation, resistance, and deep care.
This artist book combines letterpress printing with excerpts from an autobiographical interview.
I photographed Oscar and paired the images with many layers of artisan paper sourced from around the world. As the viewer peels back each page, a moving account unfolds—one of self-love, resilience, and Oscar’s journey toward visibility and pride as a queer business owner within his community.
Artist Book
Oscar Vento
Photography, Letterpress, Bookbinding, Art Direction
This artist book tells the story of Emma, a transgender woman who has undertaken a lifelong project of tattooing her body as a form of healing.
Her tattoos help her navigate dysphoria around specific body parts and include symbolic designs that speak to protection, identity, and belonging. The photographs, taken in Paris as part of a capstone project, capture Emma’s strength, vulnerability, and her powerful journey toward self-love and acceptance.
Artist Book
Emma Kasztelan
Photography, Editorial Design, Bookbinding, Art Direction
