Empyrean

"Empyrean" _
Lewis Derogene (PhenomenaLewis) _
Self-Portrait Photograph | 2020 _
16in x 20.4in _
Limited Edition of 5 AP | 4 AP Left _

In this photograph, PhenomenaLewis, a dark-skinned Black woman, stands out with her rich, exaggerated dark skin. She wears an orange turban and lipstick, set against a star-filled night sky with the moon centered above her head. This self-portrait, titled "Empyrean," holds a special significance for PhenomenaLewis.
The creation of "Empyrean" coincided with her relocation from Brooklyn to Connecticut in 2020, at the onset of the pandemic. Faced with a slightly smaller room in her new surroundings, she grappled with stress and the challenge of continuing her self-portraiture work. It was during this time that she decided to utilize the angled walls of her attic bedroom, pinning bedsheets and blankets to create versatile backgrounds for easier post-production editing.
In the post-production process, PhenomenaLewis drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the Connecticut night sky, where the stars shone brighter than they had in the bustling city of New York. This celestial vista brought a sense of the sublime and tranquility, evoking a magical sensation without the use of any external influences. She aimed to capture and reflect this feeling in her self-portrait.
The title "Empyrean" refers to the highest part of heaven, symbolizing the spiritual and celestial aspects she sought to convey in this piece.

One edition of this photograph was purchased by actor Jake McDorman in 2020.