Wrestling Portraits​
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‘Wrestling’, is a scalable project that delves into the complex themes of self-discovery and cultural expression through the lens of professional wrestling. Within the project I want to bring the two arts together. From it’s a publication in this year’s Portrait of Britain book, and as a winner shown around the UK on digital billboards, this series captures the multifaceted identities of wrestlers, revealing how the sport serves as a powerful medium for personal collective narratives and empowerment. Each photograph highlights the dynamic interplay between the wrestler’s persona and their authentic self. Through vibrant action shots and intimate portraits, the project showcases athletes donning their unique costumes and masks, symbolizing the roles they adopt in the ring which I bring to research and a project. These larger-than-life characters embody struggles with anxiety, identity, belonging, and the search for recognition, reflecting broader societal themes.
The images are set against the backdrop of various wrestling venues, from grand arenas to intimate community halls. This diversity not only showcases the sport’s wide appeal but also emphasizes the unique stories of wrestlers from different backgrounds. When the wrestlers walk from behind the curtain and see the ring, they become their character and new identity, they are the wrestler.