Artist statement
For the last 4 years, I have worked with a small group of teenagers, who identify as transgender, making collaborative portraits with them to create my series “Trans(ition)”. This process is very much part of their personal journeys, with their gender identity; some people medically transition, others don’t. Some identify as a man, some as a woman, others as non-binary, and some don’t conform to either label.
I don't usually tell my subject what to do. I wait for them to do whatever they want. I explore body language. There is always an emotional exchange when I take a portrait. Sometimes I forget I have a camera and it is like I am just seeing the person with my naked eye. I like my images to be quiet, subtle and understated. That's the quietness in my approach - I didn't talk much, I just photographed how they were behaving. Each person I photograph is totally different. It’s about capturing a part of their soul but, in order to do so, I have to give a part of mine too. So I think there is always an emotional exchange when I take a photo. I don't really spend much time thinking about the idea of creating powerful portraits, it just happens.
Artist biography
Reme Campos is a Spanish artist based in the UK, whose work focuses on social documentary and portraiture. Reme seeks to explore the complex relationship between subject and photographer, with a particular interest in social issues, gender and human rights. Exhibitions and work include 2021 Curator for Foto femme united, 2021 National Portrait Gallery, working on a three-year project reconsidering the pioneering role of female artists and sitters from the 16th century to the present, and 2019 Portrait of Britain, Winner prize.
You can discover more of Reme Campos' work below.
Website: http://www.remecampos.com/
Socials: Instagram: @remecampos