André,
I hope this note finds you in good spirits.
I’ve been deep in the creative and editorial process of putting together my first coffee table book, Libretto Unfinished, which I am so excited to share. It’s been a labor of love—one that gathers pieces of my journey over the last decade across different mediums: photography, film, and spirit. It includes a few essays I’ve written; images from my photo series FLEX, which premiered at Scope Art Fair in Miami; my film GOD IS GOOD, which was acquired by and is streaming on Criterion Collection; and many other pieces I’ve built.
For me, this project has been an intimate exploration of my mind and spirit. My experience as a Black man. The cost. The joy. My faith and relationship to God. The questions I’ve asked over and over. Honoring thy father and thy mother. Sitting in the middle of my masculinity and femininity—allowing space for both. I’ve been reframing my own mindset around these themes and building a new visual language for what strength, softness, legacy, and presence can look like.
As I move toward the finish line, it’s important to me that the voices within this book reflect the generations that have paved the way for artists like me to stand where we stand.
Your presence, your artistry, and your example have shaped so much of what is possible.
If you would be open to offering a few words—large or small, original writing, a poem, a scripture, a reflection—anything from you would hold deep significance. I would be truly humbled to include your voice alongside the few written contributions I currently have, including words from my father and an essay from Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin.
This is a personal project, so I can offer a modest stipend of $2,000 for your contribution. Our timeline is approaching quickly, and receiving something before the holidays would mean the world, as I’m heading into the final stage before going to print in the new year.
Attached is a short deck preview of some of the works.
Thank you for considering this, André.
And thank you for being one of the lights that has made my own path clearer.
All of my love,
Jeremy Pope