ASHTON ZALA

As a photographer who unapologetically places Black & Brown Cosplayers at the very centre of my work, I feel that myself and my portfolio exemplify the themes of “Diversity & Community”. 

In my little over a year as a professional photographer, from the outset I have sought to break the monochromatic hegemony of the UK’s Cosplay Scene, by capturing beautiful eye-catching images of melanated cosplayers, which delight the eyes and provoke thought in equal measure. The goal of my work is to display the range and vibrancy of Black & Brown cosplayers in the United Kingdom and show that they are every bit as talented as their white contemporaries. 

My photograph for this exhibition in particular not only achieves and exceeds these aims, but also shows the diversity of gender within the cosplay community. The image in question shows gender-nonconforming cosplayer, @HoneySenqai (pronouns: he/him/she/they), cosplaying as Kaworu Nagisa from Neon Genesis Evangelion. The photo taken against a black backdrop, shows off the magnificence of Honey’s cosplay, with the hand crafted wings having been masked and had their exposure, clarity & texture increased and warmth reduced, to give them an ethereal quality. The image shows a talented, Black cosplayer in their element and more than fits the themes of this year’s exhibition

honeysenqai as Kaworu Nagisa from Neon Genesis Evangelion, photographed by ashtonzala 

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