he/they
Jason Parent
My work began with a deep dive into my family’s photo albums, where I unearthed both personal histories and a nuanced, complex understanding of myself through the lens of the past. As I uncovered hidden narratives in the margins of these photographs, my queer identity emerged within the conversation. This exploration has expanded to photographs sourced from random eBay lots and flea markets, which I examine through the same lens—seeking layers beyond the surface. In these images, I discover evidence of queer existence, often in the form of a subtle touch, a coded glance, or a distant longing, all of which I uncover through careful investigation. As I continue to find and share these stories, I am compelled to confront the tenuous existence of queer archives, their fragility, and the ephemeral nature of queer identity. My work anchors these narratives in permanence, preserving the memories that might otherwise slip away, and presenting them in a way that invites audiences to see, feel, and understand.
Truth (“I don’t want to know,” he says, staring down the barrel of my truth), 2024.
Acetone image transfer on Japanese paper, 4 × 2 ½ in.
Transcript, 2024.
Artist book, 7 ¾ × 6 ¼ in.
If You Only Knew (IV), 2024.
Acetone image transfer on inkjet print, 4 ½ × 4 ½ in.
Ties That Bind I, 2024.
Acetone image transfer on Japanese paper, 4 × 3 ½ in.
Hold On, 2025.
Acetone image transfer on paper, 5 × 4 in.