Kyle Thompson: an inside story

How many stories can a picture truly tell? Kyle Thompson shows that an image can evoke an abundance of tales beyond the scope of the imagination. Hailing from Chicago, the young photographer was born in 1992 to a generation where photography and self imagery were as viable as a Hollywood dream.

image: Kyle Thompson

Thompson captures his images with a dreamlike lens, and most of his works are self portraits that remit shock but retain a true mysterious magnificence. It is hard to believe that this former pizza delivery boy picked up a camera and drew real sophistication. As his own style quickly developed, his interpretation grew to become more conceptual. ‘I’m inspired by music, art, and my environment,’ – and these elements are always visible in his work. Artists such as Zdzisław Beksiński, a celebrated Polish painter, and Francesca Woodman, who has her own collection of eerie self portraits, have influenced Thompson’s photographic exploits.

He loves to draw and create all of his work from the most tangible angle up to communicate concepts that tell stories and are open to interpretation. Every image carries a spirit that aspires to attract and engage with audiences. His photography seems to be inspired from the interior, but always rests against the backdrop of a beautiful natural landscape, capturing both nature and the self. His collection of self portraits shows vision that should inspire all of us to take another look in the mirror and ponder what we see.