Daniel Lastres

ARTIST STATEMENT

Daniel Lastres - a Costa Rican/ Peruvian Non-Binary Photographer born in Toronto, Ontario. Most of their work is inspired by glamour and editorial photography; however, for these series of fotos they explore event photography showcasing what’s dear to them.

For “RISE Toronto” I want to exhibit photo work that showcases a series called “no matter where I go, there is always a home”, this is my version of a letter to myself as a queer artist.

Not only is photography a passion of mine, the “Kiki Scene” which is part of ballroom, has given me a space to weaponize my femininity on the stage through voguing.

In 2019 I went to my first ball which was the “Black Liberation ball”. By the end of 2019, not only did I join the “Kiki House Of Siriano”, I left the country to live in Costa Rica for almost two years. I didn’t expect Costa Rica to be so enriched in queerness; however, I discovered that there is also a “Kiki Scene” there too! This is where I emerged myself again.

I never thought that ballroom would be a important aspect in my life, it has helped me grow and practice something that isn’t photography which really challenges me artistically. When it does come to photography I want to share moments and stories so ballroom members can keep and have something to take them back to that very moment.

In these photographs, you’ll see a thread that connects the photographs together. Being able to feel like I’m part of a family no matter where I go. That’s all because of Ballroom.

The thread shown in the series represents the “connection” between the Costa Rican and Toronto Ballroom Scene. It’s the reason why I feel like no matter where I go, I feel like I’ll always have a family in ballroom.