12.05.25 — STAFF Asatirical series by Los Angeles-based photographer Justin Gaar. “Empire” takes an anthropological approach to the cruise ship experience. The series, self-published as a booklet last year, explores the banality of imperialism and how it’s actively produced and reproduced through cruise tourism. Putting a glossy, postcard sheen on the naked hierarchies of power on a cruise ship, the images were taken on a single five-day cruise in the Caribbean in 2019 and marks Gaar’s first photo project.

“Empire” by Photographer Justin Gaar

12.05.25

Asatirical series by Los Angeles-based photographer Justin Gaar. “Empire” takes an anthropological approach to the cruise ship experience. The series, self-published as a booklet last year, explores the banality of imperialism and how it’s actively produced and reproduced through cruise tourism. Putting a glossy, postcard sheen on the naked hierarchies of power on a cruise ship, the images were taken on a single five-day cruise in the Caribbean in 2019 and marks Gaar’s first photo project.