Rendell Catbagan - I Can Be That Man
Interested in capturing the inner essence of each individual, Vancouver-based photographer Rendell Catbagan’s work aims to portray feelings of sincerity and youthfulness. Although Rendell’s work is predominantly focused on portraiture, his photography is heavily inspired by Vancouver’s vast natural landscapes. Rendell’s eye for the contours, highlights, and shadows of each photographic subject recalls the natural beauty of the city’s elemental surroundings.
His photo project I Can Be That Man perfectly captures this vision. The model featured, Emmy Egulu, is one of Rendell’s best friends and collaborator of this series. The two were particularly moved by the works of Tyler Mitchell and his portrayals of Black lives with such beauty, elegance, and freedom, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of representation. With these images, Rendell and Emmy aim to celebrate individuality and to reorient people’s perceptions of vulnerability and masculinity. The layered juxtaposition of the styling, as well as Emmy’s emotional range, leans into the narrative of giving power to the individual to choose who they want to be and champions their agency in portraying themselves.
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