Piece description from the artist
If an image could encapsulate the essence of the early 2020s, Vexed is that moment for me. It was a time of divisive politics, powerful social movements, and a global pandemic that left humanity frustrated and overwhelmed. For my nephew Bez, it was all of that and more. As a young black man navigating this tumultuous era, he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Amid the chaos, Bez clung to the few things that brought him hope. Graduating from high school was at the top of his list—a milestone he had worked tirelessly to achieve. But when the pandemic stripped him of the chance to walk with his class, he was devastated. As a family, we rallied around him, trying to keep his spirits high during those uncertain times.
One day during lockdown, I asked Bez to help me with a photography project by posing for the camera. I could see the stress and tension in his expression, so I encouraged him to channel his emotions into the moment. At first, he yelled and made angry faces, but then he shouted, “Do we not matter?” That raw, unfiltered cry became the heart of Vexed.
This photograph is more than an image; it is a testament to the moment, a snapshot of a generation grappling with profound challenges, and a reminder of the power of art to capture the human experience.
Santos "Sanzei" López is a fine art photographer for whom the camera is the culmination of a lifelong visual journey. His artistic practice was ignited in childhood with a simple 35mm film camera, a gift from his mother, who became his first subject and instilled in him the belief that photography could capture profound joy and connection.
This foundation evolved through decades of work as a graphic artist and graffiti writer, disciplines that permanently shaped his eye for composition, bold geometry, and layered texture. In 2015, he made a definitive commitment to photography, channeling this multidisciplinary vision into a focused pursuit of the definitive image.
Sanzei’s work transforms the contrasting landscapes of South Florida’s coasts and the Pacific Northwest into contemplative art. He approaches beaches, cityscapes, and mountain vistas as complex graphic arrangements, seeking the precise interplay of light, shadow, and form that transcends documentation to evoke feeling and narrative. His fine art pieces are featured on leading platforms like TurningArt.
Instagram: @SanzeiPhotography
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