The Vulnerable Beauty of Luke Austin’s Photos

LEWA -- the Yoruba word for "beautiful" (Yoruba is the West African language spoken by over 30 million people, primarily in Nigeria and Benin) -- is the culmination of Luke Austin's five-year photographic journey of unpacking the differences in depictions of white men and men of color. Containing over 100 exquisitely produced original photographic works, LEWA is a work of beauty as well as a work of social and political commentary. The 148-page hardcover book is presented in a slipcase and includes a foreword by The Tenth Magazine founder Khary Septh and text by writer and linguist Kola Tuboson.

LEWA includes Luke Austin's portraits of Moonlight star Ashton Sanders and model Shaun Ross.

Book launch events are planned for various cities around the world (Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, Bucharest, London, Madrid, Paris, and Berlin) throughout February and March. Luke Austin will be present at all events.

The first of the book release events will be held in West Hollywood Saturday at 5 p.m.

UN.plugged by Please Do Not Enter
643 N. Flores St., West Hollywood

Images presented here from LEWA (Beautiful) are (c) copyright Luke Austin and published by Milos Mestas. Thanks to Ruben Esparza Projects.