2nd Place winner
Unseen World
DESCRIPTION
"Fairies," an old derogatory slur used to offend, insult, and dehumanize the LGBTQ community, serves as the inspiration behind this artwork. It represents a reclaiming of the word and showcases the resilience of the community.The artwork captures the concept of an unseen world, symbolizing the alternate reality that many LGBTQ individuals create to find comfort and belonging. They rely on their "chosen families" and seek safe spaces where they can thrive and feel valued for who they are, understanding the challenges they face outside of these supportive circles.
This image emphasizes the importance of these supportive environments and the resilience needed to navigate a world still struggling with embracing diversity and inclusion. It serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work required to build a truly inclusive and welcoming society for everyone.
AUTHOR
Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Vargas infuses an air of tropical vibrancyinto his images, utilizing exotic flowers as props or producing recreations of nature as the back-drop for his bold, neon-hued compositions. From Panama to Mexico and the United States, Vargas’ photography has continued to gain international recognition, landing him clients such as Facebook, Wilhelmina Models, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel and Kenneth Cole, among others.
Now based in San Francisco, California, Vargas’ vivid, chromatic aesthetic has captured the attention of the local community, earning him exhibitions at Instagram headquarters and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. In addition to his photography, Vargas is a cinematographer and documentarian, applying his unique perspective to the moving image. Beyond his work behind the lens, Vargas is focused on the empowerment of Black women and the advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights, serving as a founder member for the diversity committee and the San Francisco chapter chair for the non-profit organization American Photographic Artists.
