Chella Man
Chella Man is an American artist, author, director, producer, model, actor, and activist. He is known for his artwork uplifting disabled, queer experiences, his role in "Titans," where he plays a mute superhero, Jericho. Chella has a book, "Continuum," coming out June 1, 2021.
Jumpsuit by Landeros New York
Sunglasses by Mercura NYC
Boots by White Diamonds
What made you want to get into acting and modeling? What do you enjoy the most about them? What's been your favorite part about playing Jericho on "Titans" and being in a TV show?
I never strived to become an actor or a model. I've always just wanted to do my art. I realize that both are a different form of art, one that holds mystery, and I'm always curious about the unknown.
I loved learning about the technicalities behind the scenes. Watching the process of creating a TV show was enlightening to say the least. Additionally, some of the people I met in Toronto have become my closest friends.
Left:
Suit by Landeros New York
Ring by Austin James Smith
Heels by Shop Syro
Shoe Chain by Maŕa Peralta Studio
Right:
Full Look by Barragan
Sunglasses by Gucci
Tell us more about Continuum and what was the inspiration behind it? What made you want to write a book and become an author?
As an artist who has been tokenized for my marginalized identities, I am familiar with the battle over the agency to define myself. Historical erasure and systemic oppression tried to hide the resources I needed to define myself by what I am, rather than what I am not. Negative space can only create an outline of my being, a binary glimpse, lacking complexity and life. Through my art, I hope to accessibly share my findings of the missing, key component. I refer to this piece as the continuum; this truly grants my figure a soul. The book is truly a peek into my diary and therefore life as I explore who I am at my core.
How was your writing process, and how did it compare to your other artistic pursuits?
Working on this book in secret for the past year was tough. I wrote most of it while quarantining in my childhood bedroom in central Pennsylvania. And let me say writing about your traumas within the location you experienced them is heavy work. This set-up pulled on memories I would have otherwise forgotten and are now on paper forever. It honestly was not much different from creating a painting. I still dived deep within myself. I still created the vision viewers/readers would consume. But it was definitely more specific. There is less wiggle room to imagine when reading the literal thoughts, I had in comparison to gazing upon a painting that is up for your interpretation.
Left:
Pants by Barragan
Sunglasses by Alexander McQueen
Choker by Cyb3rw3nch
Wrist cuff by Austin James Smith
Boots by White Diamonds
Right:
Bodysuit and glove by ManMadeSkins
Ear cuff by Maŕa Peralta Studio
Bracelet by Maŕa Peralta Studio
Chaps by Wilson’s Leather
What's the best advice you received from someone you looked up to?
Super hard to narrow this down.My friend Alok V Menon always has a dynamic and brilliant perspective to offer. I would have to say something they have told me.
What's been your favorite project to work on, and why?
This is like picking your favorite food; there are too many choices to choose from. I am PUMPED for this book to be released as I feel like I'm letting go a literal piece of my heart.
Is there a specific genre of film/TV you would like to explore more in the future?
Smaller films directed by queer or disabled BIPOC individuals.
Left:
Shirt by Issey Miyake
Pants by Issey Miyake
Boots by Stylist’s own
Right:
Bodysuit by Shuting Qiu
Ear cuff by Private Policy x Chella Man
What made you gravitate to New York City?
I heard it was the future. And I was not disappointed.
What made you decide to go to The New School, and tell us more about what you're studying? Why did you choose your major?
I graduated high school early as a junior, skipping senior year, and went directly to college. Because I was an early admission, this was the only place I applied. I went to study virtual reality programming and economics in a double degree program. My goal was and still is to create simulations in VR where the viewer is placed in the shoes of an individual identifying as transgender and/or deaf, etc. The simulation would lead viewers through various situations they would not typically experience. If carried out right, this could enable broader perspectives on infinite identities, thus creating more compassion and empathy in the world.
Left:
Jeans by Vivienne Westwood courtesy of House W-NYC
Turtleneck by Jean Paul Gaultier courtesy of House W-NYC
Jacket by Teddy Vonranson
Sunglasses by Alexander McQueen
Right:
Shorts by Angel Chen
Shirt by Angel Chen
Boots by Stylist’s own
Who are some of your favorite artists, and why do you love their work so much? What do you do in your free time?
My friends are my favorite artists. I understand on a personal level what their work means to them and why they choose to create/share it. I have not had much free time lately, but I love to spend it in the sun. Whether this is outdoor or indoor, I try to follow that warmth.
How have your personal experiences informed your acting and writing?
In every way.
What is your Instagram handle?
@chellaman
Left:
Suit by Jean Paul Gaultier courtesy of House W-NYC
Heels by Shop Syro
Earring by Austin James Smith
Cuff by Sterling King
Right:
Blouse by Llessur
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Hadriel Gonzalez
Talent: Chella Man
Stylist: Nathan Sweet
Makeup: Maria Ortega
Hair: Candice Kelly
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Graphic Design, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Victoria Durant, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
