J. Ashley Nixon: All Dressed Up: Portraits of Cosplayers

The cosplay events I attended between 2015-2017 allowed me to photograph and interview a cast of actors playing a variety of roles found in feature-length movies, television series, video games, anime shows, and comic books. I was curious to see how their creativity and passion could be delivered at these multi-planetary, family-friendly events through their hand-made costumes, makeup, and acting performances. I was impressed by their proficiency in shaping and painting Worbla to make space-like weapons and armour from ancient lands. I was struck by the piercing, mythical eyes of a Medusa; the off-world looks of a Titan and the fun and energy generated by a whole family playing out a group of manga characters.

All Dressed Up: Portraits of Cosplayers explores the character within characters; stories from people performing their own versions of other people they have a passion for.