Monaris: Collecting Hands
“Through the eyes of photographer Monaris, worlds emerge from these carefully cropped frames. A small box wrapped in silver foil, bound with string. What secret does it hold? An unlit cigar, a beaded keychain with keys to some unknown door, a pinstriped bag holding whatever one’s mind can imagine. An upturned cane to support some unseen injury. A battered black umbrella—will the weather hold this day? A shined black leather shoe, faithful in its steps, its outlines creased with age.
Monaris is a master of these moments and is adept not only at capturing them but also at curating them. Another ancient instinct that calls deeply to us all is our drive to recognize and collect patterns. And what a collection this is. Each image here is a thread in a wider tapestry, parts to a whole, and with each repetition, the story becomes clearer—our hands hold our humanity.” ( from Dave Krugman’s text in the book)
About the Author
Monaris is a Puerto Rican photographer, visual storyteller, and Sony Alpha ambassador based in New Jersey. Celebrated for her cinematic vision and emotionally charged imagery, she infuses each frame with a sense of timelessness and purpose. Her honest approach behind the lens reveals the humanity within her subjects, turning passing instants into evocative visual stories.
With a background in criminal justice and sociology, her work is shaped by empathy, keen observation, and a profound curiosity about the human condition. What began as a personal pastime evolved into her life’s calling, leading her across the globe—from the vibrant pulse of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval to the quiet allure of the American Midwest. Through both her personal and commissioned projects, she immerses viewers fully in the worlds she creates.
Monaris has worked with major international brands, led photography workshops around the world, and continues to pursue personal projects centered on themes of identity, nostalgia, and the beauty of ordinary life.
