BLACK SWAN Conor McKenzie

 

 

 

 

artPLAY PHOTOGRAPHY…LET’S START PLAYING….

 

 

“BLACK SWAN”  an artPLAY exclusive.

In this creative photography story the very sexy bad boy of ballet Conor McKenzie has been captured by our favorite New York photographer Thomas Evans.

Conor also spoke to artPLAY about the shoot and about how to not be afraid to be different:

 

Standing out is something I’ve always been used to. Growing up queer in the south made it pretty much unavoidable. However, It’s never been something I’ve seen as a negative. Being different is something I cherish because it’s simply me being my most authentic self. In my world, I’m completely normal, but to others it as seen as different and can be misunderstood. I’m grateful to be different because it has given me a platform where I can inspire others to be their most authentic selves, no matter how different it may be to others.

In this shoot with Thomas, I got to express that in such a harmonious way with him. We got to capture images that showcase my talents but with an androgynous twist that make it true to who I am. I’ve always fallen in the middle when it comes to femininity and masculinity. I think it’s a beautiful thing to be able to embrace both sides and realize that both femininity and masculinity are just words. Expressing yourself is such a broader spectrum than just saying “I’m feminine” or “I’m masculine.” It’s about expressing yourself as you feel authentically, no matter what gender you may identify with. Now, of course this is can be perceived as odd or different by the majority of society, but there’s so much power in living your life authentically. It creates representation for those who also identify as you do and shows that it really isn’t that different from others who feel the same but may be fearful to show it. I’m grateful to have a following and support system that appreciates what I do and feels inspired to live their own lives authentically as well. Of course, I receive my fair share of hate and indifference, but none of that holds a torch compared to the beautiful messages I receive from people around the world saying they are inspired by me to be their truest versions of themselves even if it’s considered “different”.

“Once you can really learn to love yourself and express yourself in a way that is true to who you are, it is the most freeing feeling”

Conor McKenzie.

 

 

 

Creative Director/Photographer – Thomas Evans www.thomasevansphotography.com   @thomasevansphotography

Model:  Conor McKenzie @conor_mckenzie

Makeup Artist: Wesley  @wayofthewesley 

 

“This shoot was an incredible collaboration between artists. Wesley brought my imagination to life with his makeup skills and Conor brought his fluidity, flexibility and sexuality. As an artist I have always been dedicated to exploring the gender spectrum. Combining femininity and masculinity is away to connect with all people. In my studio I create a safe place for people to feel safe in exploring themselves. When someone can 100% be themselves anything is possible”
Thomas Evans. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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