Charlotte Shenassa

As a queer Middle Eastern/Belgian photographer, I create vibrant, explosively creative images that envelop the viewer. I incorporate clowns into my work because a clown puts a mask on for the world– just as I do. My works may look playful, but there is always a deeper meaning behind the cheerful imagery. I paint, draw, and incorporate collaging elements on the photographs, to make the viewer feel that my memory is their own. I am compelled to make work pulling from larger themes in my life, because I want to create visual experiences that everyone can connect to. We are often told not to talk about these dark themes out loud, to keep everything private and pretend that everything is okay when in fact the opposite is true. I want to expose these themes in all their gritty details, leaving the viewer with an unforgettable experience.