Photographic Alphabet: D is for Daniel Adams

© Daniel Adams. National Pride.

By Tyler Austin

Daniel Adams is a young photographer whose work focuses on the different interpretations of 'identity'. Coming from a colorful background himself; growing up in Malaysia, graduating from Falmouth University, and a member of the LGBT+ community, identity and the clashing components that help to create one is a concept he knows very well.

© Daniel Adams. Prude

One of his series, 'Makhluk Asing,' revolves specifically around himself and his Malaysian culture. The title 'Makhluk Asing' is the Malay word for Alien. In the series he tackles different social and political issues that have affected him and helped to mold him into the person he is today. For example, the above image is meant to represent his conservative family paired with his upbringing. The banana is a key piece of the idea behind this image as it is one of the most prominent fruits in the Malaysian culture. 

© Daniel Adams. I know how to take care of myself.

"Each set of images is based upon a specific issue that has effected me, expressed through the use of colour, shape, texture and emotion," Adams says of his work. "This project was definitely one of the more personal projects I have created as there were many sensitive subjects that were incorporated into the imagery."

© Daniel Adams.LGBT+ Prosecution.

He delves deeper into his self identities with images like the one we see above. These images represent the prosecution of LGBT+ people in Malaysia. The country, which is unwelcoming towards the LGBT community, holds Islam as the national religion. Sodomy is also punishable by up to 20 years in prison, this may also include regular beatings. 

You can see more of his work on his website here and check out a few more pictures from this series below.