a.k.a. skips Reflects on Queer Identity in New Photography Book

C.K. Neiman, also known as a.k.a. skips, is releasing his personal photography book titled ‘i want to rest and be held by someone who loves me,’ inviting readers into over a decade of his life.

‘i want to rest and be held by someone who loves me’ is centered around a.k.a. skips’ experience with queer identity and accepting who he is. After privately transitioning to a man, Neiman moved to his a.k.a. skips alias, creating 90s-inspired electronic music. His love for art goes much beyond music as a photographer, painter, and tattoo artist. 

The announcement comes after Neiman released two singles in which he debuted as a.k.a. skips. The photography collection is a showcase of his incredible self-love journey and struggles with addiction, depression, sobriety, and more, through creative outlets. 

“This is by far the most intimate project I’ve ever done. It is an invitation to step inside my life as your own, to see how it feels and how we connect. This is not just my story as an addict, or an artist, or a queer and trans person,” Neiman said. 

He continued, “This is my story as a human, trying to find where I fit in the world.” As a raw look into Neiman’s story, the book is rooted in his identity from the inside out. Produced by his queer-driven micro press, Be Your Own Self, in collaboration with publisher For The Birds Trapped In Airports, it is printed in-house and hand-sewn. On top of his film photos, sections of the book include writings to go along with them.

The book premiered at the SF Art Book Fair this month. LA Art Book Fair is featuring the book from August 10 to 13. On top of this release, his painting “Mouse Trap!” is at La Luz De Jesus until August 28.

‘i want to rest and be held by someone who loves me,’ are available for pre-order now. While we patiently wait for them to ship next month, listen to a.k.a. skips’ second single, “My Only Mistake,” here: