2024 Portraits | PhenomenaLewis

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2024

This self-portrait photograph, "Under His Light," by Lewis Derogene, also known as PhenomenaLewis, is a reflection of her faith and what it means to live under God’s presence and guidance. The title itself speaks to the constant reassurance that she is seen, held, and protected by God.
His light will continue to pour out on her, as long as she remains willing to stay under it.
It’s about letting go of control and trusting completely in Him. In this stillness, she feels His light as comforting, guiding, and reminding her of who she is and Whose she is. It’s a visual prayer, an offering of gratitude, and a celebration of the beauty that comes from seeking to remain under God's light.

"Eremia" a 2024 self-portrait photograph of Lewis Derogene, also known as PhenomenaLewis.
God has a way of guiding us that often reminds me it’s not really about us. When we embrace that, a deep sense of peace follows. In my effort to make God proud, I tend to retreat into solitude. Sometimes, isolation is necessary, it helps me hear His direction more clearly.
"Eremia" means solitude in Greek, a language I chose as an ode to the Bible's origins.
In this self-portrait, I’m wearing a blue tulle skirt as a dress, with a single fuzzy white earring.

"Eremia" a 2024 self-portrait photograph of Lewis Derogene, also known as PhenomenaLewis.
God has a way of guiding us that often reminds me it’s not really about us. When we embrace that, a deep sense of peace follows. In my effort to make God proud, I tend to retreat into solitude. Sometimes, isolation is necessary, it helps me hear His direction more clearly.
"Eremia" means solitude in Greek, a language I chose as an ode to the Bible's origins.
In this self-portrait, I’m wearing a blue tulle skirt as a dress, with a single fuzzy white earring.
I tend to approach my editing process like a dance, never rushing, always exploring and will one day share it in more details in my next interview.

"Ineffable Encounter" is a 2024 self-portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene aka PhenomenaLewis. "Ineffable Encounter" is a series that's like stepping into a dream where every detail feels both intensely personal and otherworldly. Covered and surrounded in bold red and lit by a single light source, this series channels classic Renaissance aesthetics with a fresh, contemporary twist. The light dances across the deep tones of my skin, casting a cool blue tint that feels both striking and serene. This self-portrait is a representation of what someone's sublime and speechless reaction to having a glimpsed of a celestial being.

"Ineffable Encounter" is a 2024 self-portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene aka PhenomenaLewis. "Ineffable Encounter" is a series that's like stepping into a dream where every detail feels both intensely personal and otherworldly. Covered and surrounded in bold red and lit by a single light source, this series channels classic Renaissance aesthetics with a fresh, contemporary twist. The light dances across the deep tones of my skin, casting a cool blue tint that feels both striking and serene. This self-portrait is a representation of what someone's sublime and speechless reaction to having a glimpsed of a celestial being.

"Ineffable Encounter" is a 2024 self-portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene aka PhenomenaLewis. "Ineffable Encounter" is a series that's like stepping into a dream where every detail feels both intensely personal and otherworldly. Covered and surrounded in bold red and lit by a single light source, this series channels classic Renaissance aesthetics with a fresh, contemporary twist. The light dances across the deep tones of my skin, casting a cool blue tint that feels both striking and serene. This self-portrait is a representation of what someone's sublime and speechless reaction to having a glimpsed of a celestial being.

"Ineffable Encounter" is a 2024 self-portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene aka PhenomenaLewis. "Ineffable Encounter" is a series that's like stepping into a dream where every detail feels both intensely personal and otherworldly. Covered and surrounded in bold red and lit by a single light source, this series channels classic Renaissance aesthetics with a fresh, contemporary twist. The light dances across the deep tones of my skin, casting a cool blue tint that feels both striking and serene. This self-portrait is a representation of what someone's sublime and speechless reaction to having a glimpsed of a celestial being.

A self-portrait photography by Lewis Derogene artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. In "Forgotten Sanctuary," the juxtaposition of the word "forgotten" with "sanctuary" evokes a sense of contrast and depth. The title suggests a place of refuge or solace that has been overlooked or neglected, symbolized by the towering books around me, the use of "sanctuary" implies a space of safety and protection represented through the tight narrow space.
I'm seen in between towers of books, suggesting an environment rich with knowledge and stories. The books are wrapped in a white tulle that also extends unto me, resembling cobwebs, hinting at a sense of abandonment. Despite this neglect, I find comfort in this space as a form of resilience, pushing against the label of forgotten.
"Forgotten Sanctuary" speaks to the duality of the human experience—the contrast between neglect and resilience, isolation and refuge. It's a mode of contemplation for the complexities of identity and the importance of finding strength and empowerment even in overlooked spaces.

"Still" by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis is a 2024 self-portrait photograph depicting the artist, a dark-skinned Black woman exploring the journey of renewal and faith. In each photograph, the artist is depicted wearing all white, symbolizing a fresh start. The white tulle fabric used in the images represents water, capturing the idea of being born and passing through water before taking a breath of air.

This series delves into the artist's experience of rebuilding and finding new strength through belief in God. The photographs convey the fluid and continuous process of transformation and the powerful impact of faith on the artist's life. "Rebirth" tells a story of becoming new again, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys of renewal.

"Still" by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis is a 2024 self-portrait photograph depicting the artist, a dark-skinned Black woman exploring the journey of renewal and faith. In each photograph, the artist is depicted wearing all white, symbolizing a fresh start. The white tulle fabric used in the images represents water, capturing the idea of being born and passing through water before taking a breath of air.

This series delves into the artist's experience of rebuilding and finding new strength through belief in God. The photographs convey the fluid and continuous process of transformation and the powerful impact of faith on the artist's life. "Rebirth" tells a story of becoming new again, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys of renewal.

"Still" by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis is a 2024 self-portrait photograph depicting the artist, a dark-skinned Black woman exploring the journey of renewal and faith. In each photograph, the artist is depicted wearing all white, symbolizing a fresh start. The white tulle fabric used in the images represents water, capturing the idea of being born and passing through water before taking a breath of air.

This series delves into the artist's experience of rebuilding and finding new strength through belief in God. The photographs convey the fluid and continuous process of transformation and the powerful impact of faith on the artist's life. "Rebirth" tells a story of becoming new again, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys of renewal.

"Still" by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis is a 2024 self-portrait photograph about a quiet contemplation with a hint of mystery and elegance. The background of a cyan-blue velvet-like blanket creates a sense of luxuriousness and depth, while also imparting a serene atmosphere. In the center of the frame, PhenomenaLewis stands with her back to the camera, wearing an eye-catching high-saturated orange dress, earrings, and headwrap. Her extremely dark, almost black skin tone adds a striking contrast against the vibrant orange hues.
The composition suggests a moment of quiet contemplation or introspection, as she leans slightly to one side, holding an equally vibrant orange scarf. Despite the absence of facial expression, the posture and positioning of the figure convey a sense of mystery and depth. The combination of bold colors against the rich blue backdrop creates a visually arresting image that invites viewers to ponder the emotions and thoughts behind the enigmatic pose.

"Comfort in Mind 5," photographed by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. This 5-part series is modeled by PhenomenaLewis' sister, Marie Lisa Derogene. "Comfort in Mind" is inspired by Muholi Zanele's ongoing self-portrait photographs series Somnyama Ngonyama. I used a variety of blankets, comforters and curtains to create elaborate and asymmetrical head-wraps as a continuation of my artist statement, that Black woman too can be soft all the while dismantling stereotypes placed on Black women.

"Comfort in Mind 4," photographed by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. This 5-part series is modeled by PhenomenaLewis' sister, Marie Lisa Derogene. "Comfort in Mind" is inspired by Muholi Zanele's ongoing self-portrait photographs series Somnyama Ngonyama. I used a variety of blankets, comforters and curtains to create elaborate and asymmetrical head-wraps as a continuation of my artist statement, that Black woman too can be soft all the while dismantling stereotypes placed on Black women.

"Comfort in Mind 3," photographed by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. This 5-part series is modeled by PhenomenaLewis' sister, Marie Lisa Derogene. "Comfort in Mind" is inspired by Muholi Zanele's ongoing self-portrait photographs series Somnyama Ngonyama. I used a variety of blankets, comforters and curtains to create elaborate and asymmetrical head-wraps as a continuation of my artist statement, that Black woman too can be soft all the while dismantling stereotypes placed on Black women.

"Comfort in Mind 2," photographed by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. This 5-part series is modeled by PhenomenaLewis' sister, Marie Lisa Derogene. "Comfort in Mind" is inspired by Muholi Zanele's ongoing self-portrait photographs series Somnyama Ngonyama. I used a variety of blankets, comforters and curtains to create elaborate and asymmetrical head-wraps as a continuation of my artist statement, that Black woman too can be soft all the while dismantling stereotypes placed on Black women.

"Comfort in Mind 1," photographed by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis. This 5-part series is modeled by PhenomenaLewis' sister, Marie Lisa Derogene. "Comfort in Mind" is inspired by Muholi Zanele's ongoing self-portrait photographs series Somnyama Ngonyama. I used a variety of blankets, comforters and curtains to create elaborate and asymmetrical head-wraps as a continuation of my artist statement, that Black woman too can be soft all the while dismantling stereotypes placed on Black women.

"Pensée" is a self portrait photograph of the artist Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis taken in March of 2024 in a baroque painting aesthetic as a form of resilience against harmful stereotypes and tropes placed on Black women that they are masculine, tough, aggressive, loud, and more.

2024 portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis of model Lisa Jean Felix. This photograph, "The Girl With the Soft Gaze," was taken with the intent of representing a Black woman in a soft visual as a form of resilience against stereotypical tropes. Photographer: Lewis Derogene. Model: Lisa Jean Felix. Photo description: A Black woman veiled in a white floral lace with soft blue lighting and a pink lighting in the corner with part of her curly hair poking out of the veil as she looks directly at the camera.

"Homage to Rembrandt and Caravaggio" a self-portrait photograph by Lewis Derogene, artistically known as PhenomenaLewis, made in 2024.
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In this self-portrait, I pay homage to two of my greatest inspirations: Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Drawing from the rich traditions of the Baroque era, I sought to capture the essence of their masterpieces while infusing my own contemporary interpretation.

Against a backdrop of deep, velvety black fabric, I embrace the chiaroscuro technique reminiscent of Rembrandt's iconic self-portraits. The interplay of light and shadow adds a sense of depth and mystery to the composition, inviting viewers into a world of introspection and intrigue.

Inspired by Caravaggio's meticulous attention to detail and realism, I posed with a sense of vulnerability, dressed in a faux fur top and a shawl made from curtain fabric. These elements lend a touch of theatricality to the scene, echoing the drama and texture found in Caravaggio's works.

Decorating my headwrap are delicate plastic flowers, a subtle homage to the symbolic richness often present in Baroque art. While originally pale pink, I chose to render my headwrap in a bold blue hue, adding a contemporary twist to the traditional aesthetic.

I captured this photograph using my trusty Canon EOS Rebel T7 camera and meticulously edited it in Adobe Photoshop, this self-portrait is a labor of love and homage to the enduring legacy of Baroque art.

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