H u m a n s
In the series “Humans”, Jason Koster invites us into a beautiful, mesmerizing world of unguarded and unglamorized portraits.
Humans transcends the conventional notion of portraiture story as Koster’s lens does not seek to define or frame his subjects by ego and fleeting expression; instead, it fosters an environment where vulnerability and engaging eye contact are embraced.
Koster selects his subjects based on an intangible quality somewhere between peace and distance. Through gentle engagement he creates a space for the subject to be vulnerable and photographed without pretense. In what is referred to as his portrait box, Koster uses sculpted natural light to reinforce the genuine rendition of his subjects allowing the viewer to encounter the subjects in an honest and unfiltered state. With Koster’s sensitive approach to light and photography, the series emerges not just as an engaging collection of portraits, but as a profound exploration of connection, understanding, and identity. The series invites the viewer to explore the intricate tapestry of human experience. The diversity of unguarded qualities and characteristics present in each subject serves as a reflection piece for the viewer, prompting introspection and reflection.
The project starts in early 2006 with Koster photographing participants at an outdoor car culture event in Las Vegas. Moving beyond car culture, Koster relocates the project to the annual Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert where he continued photographing participants every year after until the project concluded in 2011. In 2010 Koster created a brief experience photographing homeless youth in Phoenix, Arizona but, that was never repeated.
