Kisses from friends and strangers

A few years ago, photographer Tommy Ka began taking portraits of friends, but felt that something was missing. Having gone in search of something new, he himself stood under the scope of the lens. The result was a photo project called "Returned to Sender", but the photographer's friends call it simply "Kisses".

In this project, the author explores (often in conflicting ways) ideas of intimacy, the role of the photographer in the self-portrait, and how Asians are portrayed in American popular culture. In these shots, Ka takes on the role of both actor and director. As an actor, he portrays the stereotypical Asian that the media tries so hard to portray.

(Total 12 photos)

1. “My project is about our social roles, which are largely determined by cultural indifference and the feeling that you are “different”. This manifests itself both in our own presentation and in the way we are presented on the screen. Often, Asians always take on the role of a supporter, but not the main character, as if they are not able to fulfill the main role. Pictured: Memphis, Tennessee, 2010.

2. Ka says he plays a stereotypical role because he has little to no interest in kissing. “I think my motivation was the feeling of wanting to belong to someone, to be visible, to be the object of desire, but at the same time seem reserved and controversial.” Pictured: Sean, Manhattan, 2010.

3. At first, Ka used his friends as models, and then their friends or lovers. As a result, complete strangers appeared in his project. “I immediately realized that for kiss photography, the level of familiarity with the subject is not so important.” Pictured: Jordan, Memphis, 2010.

4. As a photographer, Ka tries to give simple instructions so that there is always an element of surprise. “I always say that they can kiss me however they want, the main thing is on the lips. All secondary actions - someone picked me up, women put their hands on their faces, etc. “It was all unplanned.” Pictured: Bart, Memphis, 2010.

5. “In a self-portrait, the artist becomes the main character. I don't find myself all that interesting, but things like family, race, gender, social ideals, etc. are part of the formation of one's personality, which changes over time and is not tied to social formulas. I like to question my role as the protagonist." Pictured: Sonya, Brooklyn, New York, 2010.

6. Ka hopes to take about 200 photos before moving on to a new project. Although he has many ideas, he treats them with a sense of humor. “Humor plays a big role in my work. No, seriously, humor is the road to understanding.” Pictured: William, Memphis, 2010.

7. Kate, New Haven, Connecticut, 2012.

8. Hanna, New Haven, 2012.

9. Blackley, New Haven, 2012.

10. Young, Manhattan, New York, 2010.

11. Evan #2, New Haven, 2012.

12. Nikita, Woodstock, New York, 2010.