PAGES

Greg Salvatori presents PAGES, a captivating black-and-white photo series showcasing his innovative exploration of texture, form, and meaning. Handcrafting props out of old books, he creates evocative male nude photographs, a hallmark of his multidisciplinary portfolio.

Dedicated to his husband, renowned writer James Polchin, the series transforms paper into intricate props—armor, dresses, helmets, wings, flames—using books, glue, cardboard, and metal wire. The tactile quality of paper, paired with the sharpness of his images, creates a visceral experience that redefines the role of books in our collective consciousness. Each photograph shifts the meaning of the book, weaving a rich conceptual narrative that challenges viewers to confront knowledge, ignorance, and the power of ideas.

Salvatori’s creative process is as meticulous as it is visionary. Beginning with mental visions he sketches on paper, he crafts the props by hand, then selects the right models to bring his concept to life. These sketches serve as references during photoshoots, resulting in photographs that pulse with texture and depth.

“Remember you’re ignorant, remember you’re ignorant, remember you’re ignorant.” Salvatori repeats, a mantra that underscores the series’ provocative message. “The pages of books represent all ideas—good, bad, burned, or ignored. They’re a threat to our ignorance, proof of it, and an opportunity to transcend it.”