Jon, Brooklyn, NY. 2008 (Wallflower Series) © Amy Elkins

I’m sure you are all familiar with Amy Elkins portraits of men, a series titled Wallflowers which playfully sets cultural expectations of masculinity in front of floral backdrops. These extraordinarily beautiful images are simple in execution but wholly complex under their surface, often pointing towards a sense of vulnerability that is so frequently culturally masked.


Bon, Brooklyn, NY. 2008 (Wallflower Series) © Amy Elkins
The surprising thing about Elkins, and what sets her apart from so many other photographers, is that she is able to carry this whimsical and intelligent aesthetic into her other projects. In fact, unlike Wallflower which presents the subjects as strangers (I’m sure some of these men are her friends; hey, there’s Gray!), Elkins’ Family and California project and her series Gray are completely entrenched within her own personal story. These are aspects of one’s life which are always hidden behind a tragic story, begging to be handled in a careful and detailed manner.


When I first came across Elkins’ work I wanted to reach out give her a big hug. However, after looking long enough at her photographs you soon realize that this is a person who uses her art to heal, an ability that that I respect and admire.


Here are a few samples from Where I Found You, 15 Minutes and Gray:


Visitation, Culver City, CA. 2006 (Where I Found You Series) © Amy Elkins

Dusk, Santa Monica, CA. 2006 (Where I Found You Series) © Amy Elkins

In Praise or Immortality, 2006 (Where I Found You Series) © Amy Elkins

Last Conversation (15 Minutes Series) © Amy Elkins

Measle Scars and Open Space (15 Minutes Series) © Amy Elkins

Momentary, Brooklyn, NY. 2007 (Gray Series) © Amy Elkins

Constellations, Brooklyn, NY. 2005 (Gray Series) © Amy Elkins

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