Holding Space: Life and Love Through a Queer Lens

Holding Space is a book of one hundred stunning photographs of queer, inter-racial couples, with first-person text about their relationships in the current time period. Photographer Ryan Pfluger set out to capture these couples after the murder of George Floyd and during the Covid pandemic, wanting to capture the intense upheaval and reckoning of the time. The photographs are startling in their vulnerability, playful in their poses, and tender to the core, and the interviews produce a range of short, revealing stories about the couples.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press

One of the most sought-after photographers of our time, Ryan Pfluger, presents his captivating debut book, Holding Space, featuring a collection of one hundred awe-inspiring photographs showcasing queer, inter-racial couples in their contemporary relationships.

In the aftermath of the tragic murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, photographer Ryan Pfluger embarked on a mission to document the lives and bodies of queer, inter-racial couples across the United States. It was a period of profound upheaval and introspection, as Ryan sought to capture the essence of this transformative time in the lives and experiences of these friends and strangers.

The photographs featured in Holding Space are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the raw vulnerability, playful charm, and tender essence of these couples. Each image tells a unique story, capturing the depth of their connections and the complexities of their relationships. The subjects of the photographs, both known and unknown, exude a sense of authenticity and honesty, inviting viewers into their personal spaces.

In addition to the stunning visual imagery, the interviews conducted with the couples provide a captivating glimpse into their lives and experiences. The responses are candid, revealing, and deeply personal, offering a range of short, poignant stories that shed light on the challenges, joys, and complexities of being in a queer, inter-racial relationship in today's world.

Through Holding Space, Ryan Pfluger has not only created a visual masterpiece but also a powerful testament to the resilience and love of queer, inter-racial couples. His lens has captured the essence of their relationships, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of a community that continues to face discrimination and marginalization. This book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the beauty and diversity of love in all its forms.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648961571