a few words
about me
Luis Mercedes Winter is a Black, Queer, Jewish, Neurodiverse Earthling based on Mohican Land, colonially known as the Hudson Valley of New York.
Born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and raised between three boroughs, Luis lived in Los Angeles from 2013 to 2018.
He learned how to question at Phillips Exeter Academy and how to Art (to Be) at Bard College.
His photography is often based in literature while his writing is visual and sensory.
In 2022, NY Jewish Week named him one of the "36 to Watch." (Formerly 36 under 36)
That same year, he debuted his first photobook, Moses of the City, which received a stellar review from The Forward.
From 2023 through 2024, Luis was a fellow with The Workshop, which is Art Directed by Rabbi Kendell Pinkney and in partnership with Reboot.
For further inquiries, contact luis@louiefromtheblock.com
Scroll to the end for an Artist Statement.
To the left, to the left:
Self Portrait, 2022
Down below, down below:
Self Portrait, 2023
Polaroids and 35mm x Bryce Winter
Artist Statement
With photography and poetry, the story of my life is told through allegory. As my existence is politicized, my work is inherently political. For me to live while Black, I must practice Anti-Racism. My "effeminate" nature is the target of hate, which necessitates my actions for Feminism. I declare my Love with Pride. Intentions are irrelevant in the face of impact, so rather than focus on intent, I look to actions that repair the world. (Tikkun Olam)
I act up by documenting, photographing, and making Art that speaks to this moment. I ground my words in soft images, so their meaning is easier to digest. I sprinkle in absurd humor to disarm the reluctant. This work frees me from the public theater that this oppressive, fascist system expects. Here, I can speak with honesty and clarity to my experience as a Black, Queer, Jewish, Neurodiverse Being. I am free to write it as I see it and capture moments that reflect the full picture of Shadow-and-Light.