Hello, I'm Michael Walrond, professionally known as "SHDWSOFDUST". I am a surrealist analog photographer who specializes in human form.
I’ve been given the opportunity to have a residency at the Bushwick Community Darkroom in NYC. I have set up a GoFundMe to help fund the creation of my pieces. I’ve spent years “making it work” as an artist, but what would really transform my show is to create on a grander scale without the confinement of limited resources. This money would cover the cost of film, studio rental, models, makeup artists, and the sets I will build.
More on the series:
While in residence, I’m making a collection of portrait photographs known as the "Alien Goddess Series."
This project is a body painting and reflection experiment that aims to disconnect the viewer from identity and societal projection.
My aim is to mask racial identity and with it remove racial boundaries and everyday biases
By distorting reality, we break the cages in which society or we have placed ourselves in. Without attachments, a subject is free to transform into an ethereal, otherworldly, and unidentifiable form.
My Motive:
At the beginning of my career, I released my work anonymously in an attempt to avoid the stereotypes associated with race, sex, or age. However, as I matured, I realized the significance of representation. Growing up as a black man, my artistic interests were shunned and viewed as unconventional by my own community.
In the art world, my community was and remains underserved, underrepresented, and under-appreciated. Young men like me were not provided the tools or encouragement to pursue artistic careers. It was through artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Gordon Parks that I got my first glimpse of what it meant to break stereotypes. Through their unique visual language, both artists were able to challenge society’s conceptions and create a safe space for artistic black men to be their unapologetic selves. Through my work, I hope to further change the narrative by creating works that open the eyes, stimulate conversation and encourage young artists to escape the cages of society.
Any generous contribution will greatly help bring my vision to life. Thank you for taking the time to read about my project.
Please find the links below
Project Mood board
Residency Sponsors
Lemonhead LA - https://getlemonhead.com/ @lemonhead.la
Revolog Films - https://shop.revolog.net/ @revolog_films
Bushwick Community Darkroom - https://www.bushwickcommunitydarkroom.com/ @bushwickdkrm
Exhibition Curated by
Savannah Spirit - https://www.savannahspirit.photography/ @savannah.spirit_