Photography, black-and-white self-portraiture and creative writing
Residency Dates: November 8 – December 5, 2026
Studio H Canada welcomes Portland-based Afro-Panamanian writer and photographer Issa Liley from November 8 to December 5, 2026. Working across photography and storytelling, Issa explores identity, cultural duality, language, migration and grief. At Studio H, they hope to slow down and make black-and-white self-portraits while researching and outlining a short story that may connect to a larger, long-running project.
Artist Statement
While at Studio H I hope to be able to slow down and create images that capture the essence of my story telling via black and white self portraits. Additionally, I want to strengthen my fictional world through words. During this time I will continue to develop working on a short story that has emerged from a class that explores identity, culture, language and grief. I will be gathering research and outlining the story which may become part of a bigger project that’s been in the works for years.
Gallery
Issa Liley, Colón, Panama. October 2026 
Issa Liley. West side along the rim of the crater, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, September 2024. 
Issa Liley Diamond Beach, Iceland, opposite side of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, November 2015. 
Issa Liley, Stable Farm, near Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland. November 2015. 
Issa Liley. Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley, Washington. April 2024. 
Issa Liley Lake Brienz, Brienzersee, Switzerland. April 2017. 
Issa Liley at Studio H
About the Artist
Issa Liley, an Afro Panamanian, is a queer, non-binary trans emerging writer and photographer who adores working behind a typewriter and in dark rooms.
Their photography has focused on capturing landscapes from around the world, live shows and self exploration. Their words have built communities within pages filled with themes related to being part of the diaspora, grief, growing pains, language, and cultural duality.
Issa understands the importance of story telling and the influence it has on preserving our histories. Bearing witness to so much grief in the last decade has pushed Issa’s desire to lean into weaving photography and writing together.
Often times, in forms of letter writing, instant photos, digital images or dark room developments, Issa’s practice has continuously shape shifted and is currently taking form of short stories exploring hidden memories from their migration to the United States, the loss of language for years and reclamation of culture. They are attempting to preserve their own story as well as their beloved community via short stories and images.
They are currently based in Portland, OR. See more of their visual work at: issaubidialuckett.com
Explore Issa’s visual work at issaubidialuckett.com.
Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/issaliley/
Artists of all media and disciplines are welcome to apply to Studio H Canada International Art Residency – please check out the link here to apply.
Check out previous posts about artists here.
Discover more from Studio H Canada International Artist Residencies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.