Conceptual nominee

I waited 21 years to come out to my friends. I waited 21 years to start feeling like my own person. It took 22 years to come out to my mom. It took 22 years to finally accept that I am gay. I am still waiting to tell the rest of my family. I am still waiting to feel like a whole person. One that doesn’t fear to love, to smile, to hold hands, and to live a happy life with him… Whoever he may be. I no longer wish to hide who I am becoming. I will no longer internalize my attraction to men. This work is for you: for everyone. We live in a society that wants the ability the express who they are, yet it is only okay if it fits within the social norm. These pictures show a group of men, myself included, that don’t fear the person we are becoming. We embrace the person we are becoming. To be comfortable in your own skin you must first become aware of whom you are. I am aware of who I am. I am Brian Kovach. I am a gay man and I wont hide it.

Brian Kovach has been taking pictures since he could remember. He has lived in Medina, Ohio for most of his life but now resides in Akron, Ohio. When he came to college he decided to embark down the path of music and is working on obtaining his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of Akron. While at the University he found photography; which turned into a creative outlet for Brian and has escalated into a passion worth pursuing. He is working towards his photography minor and hopes to attend a prestigious photo program to receive a master’s degree in the fine arts.

His current work deals with embracing homosexuality, coming out to his friends and family, and being proud of whom you are. Over the last two years he has worked for Summit Choral Society as their primary photographer capturing their most vulnerable moments. His images have been featured in Classical FM, a well-respected online music community. As well as, published in several brochures for The University of Akron’s choral and vocal programs. Brian hopes to make a difference in the future and will continue to make life art through his photography.