"Empire" Through the Lens of Photographer Justin Gaar
"Empire" is a provocative satirical series by Los Angeles-based photographer Justin Gaar, offering a sharp, anthropological take on the cruise ship experience. First self-published as a booklet last year, the project delves into the subtle absurdities of imperialism, exposing how it's perpetuated through the world of cruise tourism. With a polished, postcard-perfect veneer, Gaar's images reveal the stark hierarchies of power in these floating resorts. Captured during a single five-day Caribbean cruise in 2019, "Empire" is Gaar's debut photo project, blending wit, critique, and striking visuals into a commentary on modern colonialism.
