Above: Baptism
In Unconscious Commands and Judgements of Our Century, a self-portrait project, Diogo Duarte "performs" different aspects of his personality in front of the camera with the intention of creating an inner dialogue of self-acceptance.
The staged photographs, where every character plays a role in the conversation, are a reaction to feelings of conflict surrounding sexual expression, sexual orientation, and gender identity. From image to image, characters talk to each other in a constant swing between freedom of expression and repression.
Aspects of Duarte's personality that were once hidden are amplified and exaggerated in front of a surreal backdrop bringing the hidden into the foreground.
Unconscious Commands and Judgements of Our Century is an ongoing series to which the photographer will continue to add new images on his website.
Diogo Duarte was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and has been living and working in the U.K. since 2007.
"I am a London-based image maker specializing in self-portraiture and psychological portraits. My background in mental health and bereavement support enables me to create outstanding imagery that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional photography.
"My personal work and the images I create for clients evolve out of processes of psychological exploration which reveal untold stories. My unique perspective and collaborative approach inspire the creation of photographs that are full of meaning and personal revelation. Each image is more than a simple picture, it is a celebration of self.
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