Help Thomas Celan, NYC Photographer, Through Health & Financial Crisis

Dear friends and community,

I'm reaching out today about my friend Thomas Celan (@anomalousNYC on Instagram), a photographer whose passion shines through his own words: "My whole project is about sharing stories from NYC streets and poor and working class people. Showing them as amazing distinctive individuals worthy of the spotlight. I do it because I love portraiture intensely but also as a way to open doors for people that the mainstream fashion industry and society at large would never give a chance to."

Thomas's work is both art and activism. Through his lens, he doesn't just capture images—he challenges perceptions and disrupts exclusionary standards of who deserves visibility. Each portrait reveals the extraordinary in the so-called ordinary, celebrating the unique beauty and dignity of individuals often pushed to society's margins.

Right now, Thomas faces a series of setbacks that threaten both his livelihood and his important work. He's recently battled pneumonia while managing long-term health complications from his initial COVID vaccination. Adding to these challenges, he fractured his knee, limiting his mobility and requiring costly medical attention. These health crises have struck during a particularly vulnerable financial period—his seasonal part-time day job is on hiatus until August, eliminating his stable income source.

For a freelance artist whose work depends on physical mobility and community connection, these health issues have made it much more challenging to maintain his normal creative practice. As a result, Thomas has fallen behind on rent for his Bronx apartment and essential bills, creating a situation that grows more precarious by the day.

We're hoping to raise $7,000 to help Thomas cover his overdue rent, utilities, and medical expenses until his steady income source resumes. This financial bridge will allow him to focus on recovery without the constant pressure of potential housing insecurity looming over him.

Despite these difficulties, Thomas's generosity remains undiminished—he's offering portrait sessions in exchange for significant donations, at rates below what his professional work commands. This speaks volumes about his character and commitment to accessibility, even in his own time of need.

Your support does more than just help an artist through hard times—it ensures the continuation of work that challenges who gets seen and celebrated in our visual culture. It preserves the dignity and beauty of everyday New Yorkers who rarely see themselves reflected in mainstream imagery.

Every contribution brings Thomas closer to stability during this challenging period. If financial support isn't possible right now, sharing his story with your networks makes a meaningful difference too.

Thank you for considering Thomas in your giving. Your kindness helps sustain vital work that matters.

With gratitude,

Bizzy Barefoot (highly honored portrait subject, fellow artist, political comrade and community member)