'CIRQUE DE REVES' serves an homage to circus performers from the late 19th century. Influenced by a variety of surrealists, such as Diane Arbus, Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, my images aim to celebrate those whom society once viewed as outcasts, different, and freaks in a way that intrigues the viewer, just as these performers intrigue me.

The performers referenced; Rose Flanders Bascom, the first American female tiger tamer. Eugen Sandow, a Prussain strong man and body builder. Leona Dare, an American contortionist and aerialist, known as 'The Flying Princess. Joseph Grimaldi, often referred to as 'the father of modern clowning. The Hilton Twins, a pair of twins used in freak shows across England.

With visual references to Magrittes use of fruit, Dali's 'Lobster Telephone' and Arbus' famous photographs of identical twins, the images aim to intrigue and confuse the audience, just as the performers themselves once did.

The project, shot on medium and large format 5x4 film, was shot across four days, with my team and I travelling to each model with our equipment and canvas backdrop, in true spirit of a 'travelling circus. Whilst telling the story of these performers in the context of fashion shoot, I aim to reach an audience that they wouldn't of otherwise.