Angels

J.A. YOUNG

In Angels, I explore a dimension of political power that often goes ignored in contemporary, materialist Western culture: the world of the occult. Continuing my core critique of corporate, state, and religious institutions the world over, in this series, I delve deeper to examine the hidden forces that drive and manipulate human actions and events.

My work remains rooted in my established methodology: a research-driven practice that engages photography, appropriated archival materials, and intuitive inquiry to explore the complexities of contemporary existence and metaphysical realities. Using both personal and public domain images as raw materials or substrates, my process begins with an initial deconstruction of the source material through radical re-framing and structural distortion.

This foundational intervention is then followed by a multi-layered transformation that includes darkroom experimentation, physical print manipulation, overpainting, and rephotography. Maintaining no loyalty to the original image, the resulting compositions are at once spatially disorienting and emotionally precise.

With a keen focus on materiality, I allow intuition, tactile attraction, and synchronicity to guide my artistic process. My goal is to create an immersive psychic landscape composed of nonverbal emotional states, subverted linear narratives, and resonant, often ambiguous meanings. Within this landscape, contemporary institutions re-enact timeless myths; intelligence operations are unveiled as black magick; and animal cruelty takes the form of ritual sacrifice.

Drawing on my personal experience as a queer, trans, autistic person living in a world dominated by men, ANGELS expresses feelings of alienation, claustrophobia, outrage, and despair for a world made hostile by human extravagance and divine indifference.

Limited edition hand printed silver gelatin prints
Editions of 3 | Prices start from £375 [$500]

Winner | OD Photo Prize 2025

For a full catalogue of available work
Contact | tom@opendoors.gallery

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