Exploring Queer Love and Identity Through PERMANENCE in Paris

Queer love and identity have long been expressed through many forms, I wanted to highlight its depth and nuance as intimately as possible in PERMANENCE. Set in the heart of Paris, this work follows Klo and Pauline, two queer individuals whose relationship unfolds through the grainy textures of Super 8 film and the sharp clarity of medium to large-format photography. PERMANENCE is more than a visual diary; it is a powerful statement about how personal style and presence shape and reflect queer identities in a world that often overlooks them.

Klo and Pauline in Paris, captured on Medium Format

Capturing Queer Existence Through Film and Photography

The deliberate choice of Super 8 film and medium to large-format photography enhances the narrative. Super 8 film evokes nostalgia and intimacy, capturing the passage of time and shared moments between Klo and Pauline. Meanwhile, medium to large-format photography provides precision and detail, highlighting their spaces and subtle expressions of identity.

This combination creates a layered narrative, capturing movement and emotion with immediacy in the film, while photographs freeze moments for reflection. Together, they tell a story of permanence, highlighting the enduring presence of queer people in the world.

Personal Style as a Language of Identity

One of the most striking aspects of PERMANENCE is how it showcases personal style as a form of self-expression. Klo and Pauline’s clothing, accessories, and overall aesthetic choices are not just fashion statements; they are declarations of identity and belonging.

For example, Klo’s blend of traditionally masculine and feminine elements creates a look that defies easy categorization. Pauline’s use of bold colors and textures communicates confidence and pride. These choices are visual markers of their queer identities, offering insight into how style can be a tool for navigating and asserting one’s place in the world.

Klo in the studio.

Celebrating Queer Love and Its Lasting Impact

The message of Permanence is clear: queer love is timeless and deserving of recognition. Through the lens of Klo and Pauline’s relationship, the project celebrates the beauty and resilience of queer existence. It reminds us that queer people have always contributed to culture and community, and they will continue to do so.

This celebration is not just about visibility but about honoring the depth and richness of queer lives. It calls on viewers to acknowledge the importance of love and self-expression in shaping the world around us.

Still from PERMANENCE video, shot on Super 8

Moving Forward with Permanence

Permanence invites us to see queer love and identity as enduring forces that shape both personal lives and public spaces. It encourages ongoing dialogue about how we document and celebrate diverse experiences. By sharing Klo and Pauline’s story, the project opens a window into a world where love is not confined by labels but expressed freely and powerfully.

This work challenges us to recognize the traces we all leave behind and to honor the stories that often go untold. It is a call to action for creators, communities, and individuals to continue exploring and affirming queer existence in all its forms.

Klo's Apartment. Medium Format.