Portfolio Review: Robert Perez's 'La Cortesana Del Libro'

As a part of our portfolio review series, we’re highlighting another creative of color creating impactful work that’s not only inspiring but an honest reflection of the world around us.

This week, the New Jersey-based photographer Robert Perez presents his series titled “La Cortesana Del Libro”, an ode to black feminity using Renaissance-style portraits that bring a new meaning to “modern royalty”.

We caught up with Robert to learn more about this Neu Neu Digital exclusive series. Read more about the artist and the story behind these images below.

In your own words, describe what you do?
I would like to believe what I do is creating a visual story that’s not only captivating but brings a certain feeling to whoever sees my images.

What’s your sign and what trait from that sign describes you most?
I’m a Pisces so I’ll say “artistic”.

Describe home?
Home is where I’m surrounded by my friends and family.

What inspired you to create this series?
Visiting museums and experiencing the original works of the Italian Renaissance. Me and the stylist Esmea wanted to create something similar but with a modern feel to it. We didn’t want to do anything too literal but we decided on playing around with gowns and having the model wear certain pieces in an unconventional way. Most of the women in those paintings look very demure and dainty so specific jewelry and accessories were used to instead give off a sense of strength and breaking the rules.

For casting, we already knew what we were looking for and Chiyoko was the perfect model for it. The set design came together naturally as I already owned the hand-painted backdrop, so the idea of using paintings for inspiration stemmed from there.

Tell me more about the team and process that went into creating these photos?
Without the team, this project wouldn’t have been possible at all! The MUA Cassie made the beauty majestic, the stylist Esmae made the vision more beautiful than I imagined, while the model alongside videographer Justin captured everything flawlessly. The process was pretty simple, from the flower props to custom backdrop, we had an amazing team.

How do you remain connected to your roots?
My mother is Colombian and my father is Puerto Rican so I visit the motherland constantly! Always being surrounded by the culture makes me really connected to my roots. It’s a beautiful thing to know where you came from and to pass that down to other generations.

How do you find joy in such a trying time?
Joy is doing something your passionate about so for me, I work on new creative projects — keeping busy all the time in doing research in what is the next job I want to work in.

What do you want viewers to take away from your work?
I want my viewers to come away with a feeling… like when you eat a food you haven’t had before or watch an incredible film that you’ve never seen before. A feeling of something new and impactful!

How do you keep evolving?
By continually working and trying new ideas, even if they don’t come out as I envisioned it.

If one song could describe your goals for 2021, which song would you choose?
“Set the Tone” by Paul White feat Denai Moore.