Jeremy Pope, a celebrated actor renowned for his performances on both stage and screen, including Netflix’s “Hollywood” and “The Inspection,” has long harbored a passion for photography, a craft he describes as his “secret weapon.” At 31, Pope, openly embracing his multifaceted identity, has ventured beyond his acclaimed acting career to reveal a hidden talent that predates his public persona. His college days were marked not only by his budding acting career but also by a burgeoning talent behind the camera, photographing headshots and portraits that earned him recognition among peers as a skilled photographer.
Unveiling ‘FLEX(bitch)’ at SCOPE Art Show
In December, at the SCOPE Art Show in Miami Beach, Pope introduced “FLEX(bitch),” a photography exhibition that delves into the constructs of masculinity through various stages of life. The Florida native’s showcase, deeply personal and reflective, drew from his own experiences and family, including his father, a bodybuilder and pastor, whose dual influence permeates Pope’s work. The exhibition featured a diverse array of images, from a young boy clutching a Bible to the muscular forms of male bodies, including Pope’s, and even a captivating portrait of Pope in drag, standing alongside Symone, a winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Exploring Performative Masculinity
Pope’s introspection into masculinity is shaped by his observations of performative displays in bodybuilding competitions organized by his father and the influential dynamics of the Black church. These experiences prompted Pope to question the origins of his own performative tendencies and the broader societal expectations surrounding masculinity, especially within the queer community. Through his lens, Pope scrutinizes the rigid norms that define and confine masculinity, challenging the internalized homophobia that persists even within spaces that should offer freedom and acceptance.
A Journey to Self-Discovery and Liberation
Pope’s project is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s a personal journey towards self-liberation and understanding. Dressing in drag for the first time, with styling by the House of Avalon, marked a pivotal moment for Pope, confronting and dismantling his own stigmas associated with femininity and drag. This transformative experience, coupled with his collaboration with Symone, highlights the power of art to bridge personal and communal narratives, encouraging a dialogue on acceptance, love, and self-expression.
The Artistic Evolution of Jeremy Pope
Reflecting on his varied roles, from “Pose” to “The Inspection,” Pope acknowledges the profound impact his acting career has had on his personal growth and artistic vision. Each character he has portrayed has offered him unique insights, culminating in a moment of self-realization and artistic clarity. Pope’s foray into photography is not just an extension of his artistic repertoire but a testament to his ongoing journey of exploration and self-discovery, challenging societal norms and celebrating the multifaceted nature of identity.