Artist Statement .
My current work is a continued exploration of men, delving into their bodies, personas, desires, tensions, and intimate connections. I often juxtapose contemporary figures with those from my archives, creating compositions that signal new narratives. By matching images often by chance, I invite viewers to engage with these relationships that defy the boundaries of time and space. The outcome offers a potential visual portal through which to perceive men in other dimensions.
My journey began with capturing performance and dance artists in Philadelphia, but it soon evolved into studio work deeply influenced by the impact of the AIDS epidemic. Rather than adopting a purely documentary approach, I leaned into my background in film and theatre to craft staged environments. Created during a period when the shadow of AIDS loomed heavily over the gay community, this body of work addresses that challenging reality but also celebrates the enduring spirit of “play” within the community. It stands as a testament to resilience and diffidence in the face of despair.
Artist Biography
Thomas Moore is currently based in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware after many years in Philadelphia. In addition to his art practice, he has taught photography at the University of the Arts, curated photography exhibits, and fundraised for several non-profit organizations. He has served on the boards of AIDS Delaware, Tilt Institute for the Contemporary Image, The Photo Review, and The Print Center. He has exhibited his work at numerous galleries in the region and his photographs are in several public collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.