aurorajulies

Ao, 2024

Matsumoto, 2024

Matsumoto, April 2024 While working in Nagano, as expected, I quickly realized my European biases and understanding of being queer, open, and out was quite different from the reality in Japan. I was introduced to an LGBTQ+ group in Matsumoto, where I was met by a warm and supportive community eager to share their personal experiences with me. Rookie, Nozomi, and Yumi work in different ways to empower LGBTQ+ people in their local communities. You inspired me so much, and I am truly thankful for the time I got to spend with you!🫶🏻 The work is currently exhibited by @salzkammergut.2024 in Austria alongside the work of Austrian artist @hofer.susanna. It’s up until October 31th and will be exhibited in Bodø in November. In the project I am exploring conformity and the courage to break it, examining the lives outside normativity in Nagano and the specific struggles of being queer in small towns and rural areas. From the cultural exchange residency in Nagano Prefecture, Japan – made possible by @eujapanfest and @bodo2024.

Matsumoto (2024) In March, I was invited by @eujapanfest to participate in a cultural exchange residency in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. In the project I aim to explore conformity and the courage to break it, examining the lives outside normativity in Nagano and the specific struggles of being queer in small towns and rural areas. Thank you to Mikiko Kikuta, @haruka_sh, and @ryumon.kagioka for all your guidance, and EU-Japan Fest committee and @bodo2024 for the opportunity.

‘So I’ll Let my Branches Reach’ (2024) In 2021 the Hungarian government authorized a law practically forbidding mentions of anything LGBTQ+-related in public spaces and schools. In Budapest I had the pleasure to get to know and photograph Lexi. I wanted to better understand how queer youth in Budapest experience and navigate this systemic erasure, and how queer and trans joy is a form of resilience. This trip also marked the birth of @solstice__collective ☀️ this full series and the work of my 40 very talented peers can be found on the website solsticecollective.space

‘So I’ll Let my Branches Reach’ Budapest, Hungary (2024) Part of an ongoing project.

‘So I’ll Let my Branches Reach’ In 2021 the Hungarian government authorized a law practically forbidding mentions of anything LGBTQ+-related in public spaces and schools. During a one week intense field trip to Budapest I had the pleasure to get to know and photograph Jay. I wanted to better understand how queer youth in Budapest experience and navigate this systemic erasure, and how queer and trans joy is a form of resilience. This trip also marked the birth of @solstice__collective ☀️ this full series and the work of my 40 very talented peers can be found on the website solsticecollective.space

November, 2022

I’m excited to share that I have been shortlisted for for this year’s Palm* Photo Prize! I am grateful to be selected along these talented artist that I admire so much. It will be exhibited in Amsterdam at @melkwegexpo May 25 - June 30. Thank you so much @palmstudios 💛 Poster design by @jamieallanshaw

June, lilies and hope

A love letter to @trevarefabrikken and @trevarefest 💌

Commissioned work for Lofoten Art Galleries last summer. @lofotenartgalleries_lag is a network for local galleries and artisans in Lofoten, and I had the pleasure to travel around the islands, meeting them all!