The series Spectrum celebrates a community of innovative artists in New York City who present themselves in a new and unapologetic way. They express individuality and empowerment through extravagant fashion and makeup that embodies their vibrant personalities. In an expanding world of hegemonic social media, I feel the importance to capture those who carve out their own unique space within it.Spectrum documents those who cannot be defined. It is inspired by Renaissance portraiture, where subjects built societal prominence through their visual representation. Through this approach, I found my way to reinterpreting a history of those who were excluded from positions of power and beauty.Influenced by this visual language of soft power, I create space for subjects to fully express themselves. These photographs place the subjects within a rich and fantastical world of their own design, utilizing makeup and effects to allude to the worldly power and strength conveyed in western art historical conventions.