Gerwyn Davies is a talented artist whose vibrant photographs merge fashion photography with elaborate and sometimes bizarre handmade costumes. His work is set against various backdrops, including desert landscapes, city skylines, skate parks, and anonymous interiors. Davies’ practice is rooted in his early experiments with photography, where he and his friends would collaborate on staging portraits using household items as props and lighting sources.
Describing his practice as “queer photographic self-representation,” Davies designs and creates intricate costumes that transform the human figure into a sculptural form. His costumes, made from materials like sequined fabric, vinyl, and faux fur, border on the quirky, humorous, and absurd. The head is always obscured in his photographs, adding a layer of mystery and complexity to the images.
In his work, Davies plays with the boundaries between fantasy and reality, using elaborate costumes to make the subject hyper-visible while simultaneously concealing specific details. The result is a blend of visibility and concealment, where the subject is both present and hidden in plain sight.
Davies’ photographs have been featured in “Exposure: Contemporary Photographers in Australia and New Zealand,” showcasing his unique approach to self-portraiture and costume design. You can explore more of his work on his website and Instagram page.
Overall, Gerwyn Davies’ work is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for self-expression and exploration. His vibrant and visually striking images invite viewers to question the boundaries of identity, representation, and visibility in art.
