EVERYONE HAS WINGS: IN CONVERSATION WITH TRAÉ WARREN

24.01.2026

CONVERSATION BY SELIN KIR
CO-FOUNDER, CURATOR
24 JANUARY 2026 — UNITED KINGDOM

In this conversation with Traé Warren we move through process, presence, and the mechanics of collaboration. We talk about how energy shapes the room, how bodies transform once prepped and ready, and how images emerge through attunement. Wings reappear as a recurring form, carrying memory, loss, and possibility. Between stage, set, and moment, the work is framed as something collective: felt before it is seen, and understood only after it leaves the room.

SELIN KIR:

Your images often capture bodies in states o rupture: crawling, folding, mirrored, chained, submerged, doubled. How do you direct motion? Do you choreograph, or do you let the body lead?

TRAÉ WARREN:

I think the overall process lets the day guide my inner sense of direction. Depending on the shooting style, it’s mainly a mix of my approach and the model’s. If the model needs help, I don’t mind getting a little dirty on the ground to find movement. I like to immerse myself in the shoot, and focusing on that helps the model feel more comfortable.

SELIN KIR:

Some of your work seem to explore the idea of th double: twins, reflections, mirrors, multiplied figures. What does duplication mean to you, psychologically, symbolically, or stylistically?

TRAÉ WARREN:

I suppose I haven’t looked into my work enough to transition that outlook, lol. The mirrors aren’t really necessary, but I do like the way light reflects and the colour aspects they hold, to feel or to view what’s real or an illusion. Nothing is really real these days.

1: WHITE SHEER — MODEL: INNA NORD | STYLIST: DANNI

2: METAL WINGS — STYLIST: MOOYOVO | MAKEUP: MYKIKIINII | HAIR: HAIR_.EUN | WINGS: ZNOKYY | MODEL: SONG.DAYE

3: FAIRY — MODEL: ANQILEC | MAKEUP: M1KAN_HANA | STYLIST: PAO215__ | ASSISTANT: RYERYEYANG

"Wings in any form are beautiful; everyone has them. People are just shy to show them."

SELIN KIR:

The styling in your images often places the bod between the sacred and the monstrous, wings, horns, prosthetic limbs, mud, chains, lace. What draws you to these hybrid, mythic forms?

TRAÉ WARREN:

Biblically accurate angels, not from a Michelangelo viewpoint, but from archaic forms. A thousand eyes, multiple wings, layers of dimensional geometry that transcend reality. Those types. I don’t mean to make my work cryptic or religious, but my father used to be a pastor, and I think that’s where the inspiration comes from. However you take it, fictional or non-fiction, it’s fun. Wings in any form are beautiful; everyone has them. People are just shy to show them.

"A thousand eyes, multiple wings, layers of dimensional geometry that transcend reality."

1: TEAL FLOORING — MODEL: YUKI_POB | MAKEUP/HAIR: AUDREYBY._ | STYLIST: SH.KE.EM

2: GEISHA UMBRELLA — FEATURED IN: @YOKOGAO.MAG | CREATIVE DIRECTION: @WHATSTHELOCATION, @NOHOMICIDEWITHOUTPOETRY | PHOTOGRAPHY: @WHATSTHELOCATION | STYLING: @NOHOMICIDEWITHOUTPOETRY | MAKEUP: @MIOIGUCHI, @RIINA0211 | HAIR: @FREESPOTWIFI, @NARI.RIAH | MODELS: @M9K1O, @DRESSING_IS_A_WAY_OF_LIFE, @EMPTYWORLDOLDHEAVEN2000, @HINANO.LIN

3: GLASS TABLE — MODEL: CONTRACHLOE

SELIN KIR:

Many of your images take place in intimate spaces bathrooms, bedrooms, tatami rooms, yet the scenes feel surreal, almost theatrical. What interests you about transforming the domestic into the uncanny?

TRAÉ WARREN:

This question humors me. As much as I love shooting outdoors, I often prefer indoor spaces because they’re more comfortable for the model and easier to set up. I’m drawn to color and a strong theatrical stage, something new, unique, or a little weird. Urbex exploration and drifting through random parts of the world are what shape my visual world.

SELIN KIR:

The way you use makeup, costume, and posin often moves between vulnerability and power. How do you understand the emotional charge of the bodies you photograph?

TRAÉ WARREN:

I give full credit to the team and the models I work with. Maybe my direction, emphasizing certain things helps, but the emotional depth you’re asking about isn’t something that can be taught. It’s in the room, in the energy flowing around us, and every team member plays a part. The art speaks for itself once it comes out. I do think some models, once they’re prepped and ready, psychologically transform into something else. It’s cool to see.

"I’m drawn to colour and a strong theatrical stage, something new, unique, or a little weird"

1: BLUE — MODELS: @MIGHTSLEEP, @KITTYG1RL | HAIR: @YUNJIHYEONANA | MAKEUP: @SSONJINYOUNG

2: LOVE HOTEL SMOKING — MODEL: INNERLAPIS

SELIN KIR:

Mythology, folklore, and fantasy seem to surfac through your visuals, fallen angels, demons, fairytale fragments. Are these references intentional, or do they emerge naturally through the work?

TRAÉ WARREN:

I think I’m over the wings, but they’re not something I can fully let go of. Wings hold significant meaning in my life. Someone close to me passed away years ago, and they were a fan of butterflies. For me, wings are a symbol of loss. I still haven’t fully absorbed that moment.

SELIN KIR:

Finally, what direction is calling you now? Is there new character, environment, material, or emotional terrain you’re ready to explore next?

TRAÉ WARREN:

I think this year is still about learning, as I’m based in Korea now. My goal is to work with a K-pop group, and potentially with more artists this year. I hope people believe in me as much as I believe in them.

COVER IMAGE: MUD — FOR NASTY MAGAZINE | MODEL: LUCFORSHORT | MAKEUP: DUCVOMINH99

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