PERSONAE

PERSONAE II Moving Portraits

Dir – Carlos David

DP – Carlos Bido

PROJECTS

Personae

Personae invites participants to embody alter egos, using fantasy and imagination to explore identity and uncover hidden facets of the self. The project fosters freedom of expression while offering fresh perspectives on lived experiences and social issues.

Personae II

Personae II explores how imagination and fantasy reveal the resilience of the human spirit. Collaborating with underrepresented groups connected by themes of conflict and trauma, the project fosters dialogue, self-expression, and awareness of critical social issues through evocative, fictionalized imagery.

BE

BE is a multimedia project exploring identity, self-expression, and artistic evolution through photography, video installations, and the documentary Being in New York. The project highlights the resilience and creativity of diverse New York City artists, offering insights into individuality and the transformative power of art.

My artistic practice centers on themes of identity, transformation, and community engagement, using photography and multimedia to create immersive narratives. I aim to explore how individuals transform—whether through fantasy, performance, or activism—to reveal hidden facets of themselves and spark dialogue about societal norms.

In Personae, participants reimagined themselves through alter egos, creating bold portraits that celebrate individuality and expression. The second installment expanded this vision into a multimedia experience, incorporating participant interviews, a 360° behind-the-scenes video, and an interactive set where audiences could step into the creative process by staging their own portraits. This layered presentation invited viewers to connect deeply with the subjects: first encountering the transformed characters, then learning about their lives and communities through video interviews, and finally returning to the portraits with a new understanding.

This immersive approach continues in BE, my latest project, which includes photographic portraits of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a documentary film. This work delves into the intersection of art, transformation, and activism, examining how individuals use identity as a tool for service and community building. Through vibrant imagery and intimate storytelling, BE reflects on the challenges and triumphs of pursuing art and self-expression in New York City.

Across all my work, I strive to create experiences that invite viewers to reconsider assumptions, embrace diversity, and celebrate the power of transformation as a means of personal and collective growth.