IDEA's New Book by Richie Shazam Reclaims Identity and Redefines Beauty
Including a foreword by Julia Fox.
Publisher IDEA continues its streak of long-awaited releases, following Nadie Lee Cohen’s Women flipbooks and Dave Swindells’ Ibiza ‘89, with a new, super-visually energized book about American creative powerhouse Richie Shazam. Entitled SHAZAM, this project is a celebration of creativity, self-expression and the beauty in defying the binary.
Spanning 176 pages, SHAZAM brings the creative’s imagination, personality and artistic evolution to life, bursting forth from the hardback covers that can hardly contain them. As a feminine-presenting person of color, Shazam, a model, photographer and writer, has triumphed over numerous challenges stemming from society’s obsession with labels and binary divisions. Despite being disowned by her biological family, Shazam’s story exemplifies the notion that life is about choosing and building your own support system, surrounding yourself with those who protect your energy and respecting your most authentic self.
Described as the suitcase “you have to sit on to zip it up” and as “everything you would ever need to head off to New York City and restart your life,” SHAZAM encapsulates Shazam’s creative studio, where she was able to create freely without boundaries. The book also showcases her captivating photographic work, collaborations with her partner Ben Draghi and a charismatic representation of her multi-dimensional creative spirit.
Shazam recognizes that the book may be perceived as political, but she asserts that it is due to America’s penchant for opposition. In a press statement, Shazam remarked, “The book launches on the brink of Pride and this year Pride must be a protest, given the draconian measures that have been implemented globally against queer individuals.”
She continues, “I want the book to illuminate the beauty of family and community, particularly during these trying and oppressive times when our rights are being stripped away and attempts are being made to extinguish our spirits. The book is indispensable in the current climate, serving as a depiction of the queer utopia/dystopia: this is us, we’re here and we will consistently stay ten steps ahead. You must find your tribe, those who support and empower you to exist.”
The artist concludes, “This is me reclaiming my identity, taking back the power of the lens and showcasing my skill for photography, being able to tell all my stories. It is almost an F U to the powers beyond. Like, Ebony Magazine used to do ‘Flavor Of The Week’ — I am always going to be the flavor in everyone’s mouth, every week. I can do anything.”
The emotional journey doesn’t end there, as the book opens with a poignant foreword by the beloved cult figure, Julia Fox. Fox begins by stating, “As I sit down to write this foreword, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of pride in being given the opportunity to introduce you to Richie Shazam, although, let’s be real, she needs no introduction. Through this book, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, witnessing firsthand the power of living free from the shackles of societal norms.”
Priced at $65 USD and limited to 1,000 copies, SHAZAM by Richie Shazam launches on May 19 at Dover Street Market New York as part of Frieze New York Frieze.
