BEARDED AMERICA

BEARDED AMERICA is a documentary project that explores the subculture of beard social clubs within the United States. This project explores the relationships between strangers who have come together under one shared common interest. This series will explore the world of one of the largest beard social clubs called the Bearded Villains through portraits and still-life photography.

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Established in 2014 as a social club, the mission of the Bearded Villains is "To unite bearded men of all cultures, races, and creeds within the brotherhood devoted to loyalty, honor, and respect toward all people through the betterment of fraternity charity and kindness." With over 165 chapters in 36 countries, this group of men focuses on various activities that help support their local community through the foundations of respect and loyalty towards the brotherhood.

As a photo documenting project, the key concepts will focus on strangers who have formed a close-knit community through a visual narration around the club's essential foundations; Family, Charity, Loyalty, and Brotherhood. This project communicates the foundations of the brotherhood that have allowed these men to interact as a community, which was founded through the context of social media and has since developed into a worldwide phenomenon that has become known as the Bearded Villains.

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This series is composed of images captured from 2015 - 2023.