Portraits – A Direct Gaze

I’ve always been fascinated by capturing portraits, whether through reflections or observing people in their natural settings—on the street or during everyday moments. One of my earliest interests, which still captivates me, is the direct gaze. It feels confrontational and hard to face. For years, I couldn’t quite define what I was looking for in a portrait. Over time, I realised it wasn’t just about the subject—it was also about me.

In those faces, I searched for safety and connection. I wanted to find something that revealed a truth about the person, but in doing so, I was also searching for myself—trying to understand who I was and where I belonged.

I avoid self-portraits because looking at myself is difficult. When I do, I see a distorted, monstrous figure staring back. The idea of safety is equally complicated. Were the people I photographed friend or foe? I couldn’t tell. Their steady gaze often felt like a challenge, leaving me vulnerable and unsure. I’ve struggled with the feeling that safety isn’t something I’ve ever fully understood.

Even so, I kept photographing strangers—on the streets and sometimes in the studio—hoping to understand what made someone feel safe or dangerous. But threats can hide in plain sight, and no amount of observation can truly uncover what lies beneath.