Portfolio: Shaun Pierson
Shaun’s work revolves around creating alternate realities that serve as a stage for exploring hidden aspects of identity often obscured in daily life. By working within the personal spaces of strangers, he positions himself as both an observer and an active participant, crafting photographic narratives that blur the boundary between reality and illusion.
Shaun Pierson (b. 1997) is an emerging photographer and videographer whose work delves into the complexities of identity, desire, and the private realms that shape human experience. Based in New York, Pierson’s practice has evolved through his explorations of both urban and rural landscapes, using the camera as a tool to interrogate the tension between the public and private spheres.
Pierson’s approach to photography is deeply rooted in his experiences with those closest to him—family members, strangers, and even subjects he meets through unconventional means, such as Craigslist. His images often blur the lines between fact and fiction, exploring how individuals navigate and perform their hidden desires. Through carefully staged scenes, he uses light, space, and context to evoke a sense of mystery, intimacy, and unease, inviting the viewer to question the narratives being presented.
A key theme in Pierson’s work is the tension between voyeurism and participation. He casts himself in dual roles—both as a subject and as an observer—creating an unsettling yet poignant relationship with his subjects. His rural background informs much of his visual language, with settings like vacant homes or historical sites becoming charged with personal and universal meaning. Whether working in the intimacy of his family’s home or in a stranger’s space, Pierson’s photography speaks to the visceral human experience of longing, shame, and the complexities of self-image.
This month’s portfolio offers a glimpse into the quiet intensity of Pierson’s vision, showcasing a selection of his recent photographs and the evolving trajectory of his artistic journey.
