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Photography began as an escape from the scholarly work that I felt I was continuously submerged in. The physically of taking a picture, rolling up the film, and developing it made me feel like I had to work for every frame I shot. The art I create is the only thing in my life I feel like is truly mine.

My work began as documentary but has since evolved into a plethora of categories including the physical form, human interactions, and portraiture. It deals with issues such as gender, sexual orientation, and the everlasting search for meaningful human connection.

I am currently working on continuing a portraiture project on Knoxvillians. Each piece captures a different member of the community ranging from artists, gay men, small business owners, drag queens, students, a new mother, an electrician, an architect, just to name a few. The project is looking to feature 80-100 Knoxvillians.

- Asafe Pereira, September 2017

Asafe Pereira is an immigrant from Brazil who moved to Nashville, TN at the age of 9. He attended Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville and has since received his undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Pereira has shown at Track One and Fort Houston galleries in Nashville and Gallery 1010, Fluorescent Gallery, and Striped Light in Knoxville.

* studio visit and select photos by Ashley Layendecker