Biography
Rhi, 23, is an artist from New Jersey. They are a jack of all trades, enjoying various forms of art, including painting and sculpting. However, their main passion lies in photography. Some of their proudest achievements in their photography career, aside from this show, include being featured in a gallery that participated in New York Fashion Week (Detour Gallery), having their work showcased in the Photolounge Gallery in Philadelphia, and receiving recognition for one of their concert photos from a drummer in their favorite band.
Statement
Self-expression… identity… what do those concepts mean to you? This is the essence of the collection “Utterance.” I initially began this photo series as an avant-garde photoshoot, but it soon evolved into something much deeper. As I worked with my models, Styx and Arcadia, I witnessed their passions, identities, and souls displayed in ways that felt incredibly personal.
Both models have excelled at revealing who they are at their core, and in the process, they have become close friends of mine. My experiences while shooting them have significantly impacted my own journey. Through Arcadia’s passion for modeling, I discovered that I wanted to pursue this path more earnestly. Beyond that, she has taught me valuable lessons about confidence,
boldness, and the importance of speaking my mind.
Working with Styx as he explores his gender identity and finds joy in gender expression has also helped me become more comfortable with my own mindset surrounding clothing and gender. Additionally, by putting myself in front of the camera, I’ve uncovered a sense of confidence I’ve never experienced before.
This photoshoot encompasses many themes: passion, identity, intentional messiness, boldness, assertiveness, and creativity. It’s about taking up space and showcasing your successes, no matter who wants to see it.