Pauly V (he/him) is an eco/experimental analog photographer, a diabetic test strip sign collector, and a photo blogger who lives with chronic illness (type 1 diabetes, lyme) in so-called Kalamazoo, Michigan. His artistic work is a direct response to late-stage capitalism and escalating climate catastrophe. He publishes and distributes KZOO FILM PHOTO, a free* photography zine.
In addition to being a zine, KZOO FILM PHOTO (or KZOOFILMPHOTO / KALAMAZOO FILM PHOTO) is the banner under which Pauly’s photographic work is published, being synonymous with all of his photographic work.
WWW.DIABETICGUY.ORG is an iteration of his ongoing Care Before Profit project. Or is it the other way around? Regardless, it is the banner under which all of Pauly’s creative work related to diabetes is published. In some ways, it is synonymous with Pauly himself.
His work has been featured in Lenscratch and The Sun Magazine.
PROJECTS
KZOO FILM PHOTO [ZINE] (2023-present)
if is isn’t free, is it really a zine? no! zines and diy publishing have always been rooted in the free exchange of information and ideas, and is a place where counterculture thrives. in a capitalist society, the exchange of information is controlled by the wealthy in order to further concentrate their power and to promote their fascist agenda. diy publishing is an alternative to mainstream, corporate, and gov’t controlled media platforms–zines give us a radical way to share ideas, imagine what is possible, and build meaningful connections with one another.
*some copies of KZOO FILM PHOTO will always be free and can be found throughout so-called Kalamazoo’s network of little free libraries.
revenue from this project provides free menstrual supplies and diapers in the so-called kalamazoo and battle creek area.
you can have one free issue, but it’s better to pay for it. or, better yet, buy an entire subscription.
Care Before Profit (2019-present)
[This is an excerpt from my artist’s statement that was distributed as a zine for my Care Before Profit: A Diabetic Perspective on Healthcare Under Capitalism photography installation on Friday, Nov. 01, 2024 / 5-8 PM]
[Care Before Profit] is a direct response to the status quo of for-profit so-called-healthcare. Through the production of the work, I have created agency and meaning for myself and, I hope, for others living with chronic illness. In many ways, the art itself is a reflection of what it is like to live with diabetes: a practice in accepting and embracing imperfect results in a complex and (at times) unpredictable process. Look closely and you may see what I mean. As you take it in, I encourage you to consider: what does it feel like to live in an economic system that values profits more than one’s own life, and in a culture that keeps that system thriving? Read more
watch the doc:
source/water (2024-present)
a response to late-stage capitalism and escalating climate catastrophe, i create analog images by exposing and developing photographic film on-site, using the location’s available water supply and foraged materials to create place specific developers.
the darkroom
((it’s a water heater closet))
risographic
PUBLICATIONS
Oct 2024, The KZOO COMPILATION, Vol. 2, by KZOO ZINE FEST, “concerning saying goodbye 09, 08, 03”, pg 14, 15
Aug 2024, The Sun Magazine, “Untitled Photo”, pg 45 in “Clean Breaks” by Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum, pg 39
Dec 2023, The Sun Magazine, “Untitled Photo”, pg 13 in “Speak, Memory” by Derek Askey, pg 6
Feb 2023, AWAKE/ASLEEP [zine] by Sløtface, “Untitled Photos”, pg 4
Jan 2023-present, KZOO FILM PHOTO, Issues 01-08
EXHIBITIONS / SCREENINGS
•Apr 2025, CYANOTYPE-Official Selection, Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (IFFY): Michigan-ish, Riverside Arts Center – Theatre, Ypsilanti, MI
•Mar 2025, CYANOTYPE-Official Selection, Kalamazoo Film Society (KFS) Filmmaker Showcase, Celebration Cinema, Portage, MI
•Nov 2024, Solo Exhibition, Care Before Profit/KADI Grant Project, Park Trades Center/ Saniwax Gallery/ Recreation Collective, Kalamazoo, MI
•May 2024, Solo Exhibition, Art Hop, Salon Noir, Kalamazoo, MI
•Mar 2024, Group Exhibition, This Body of Mine, The Starving Artist, Online
•Dec 2023, Group Exhibition, The Art of Giving, Move with Joy Studio Gallery, Kalamazoo, MI
•Oct 2022, Solo Exhibition, PRF Campout, Pretty Lake Camp, Mattawan, MI
•Sep 2021, Group Exhibition, KVCC Community Photography Exhibit, Center for New Media, Kalamazoo, MI
LATEST POST
- vials, developed in insulin
•camera: pinsta go •paper: ilford direct positive •developer: insulin dev. •scanner: epson v600 (no post) vials/// insulin developer/ 4×5 direct positive paper/ pinhole I used… Read more: vials, developed in insulin - Kzoo Night Market/ New Riso Prints/ HOT PINK!!
Oops! Late notice! I’ll be vending at the Kalamazoo Night Market tonight with some new riso prints (below). I’ll also have some of these riso… Read more: Kzoo Night Market/ New Riso Prints/ HOT PINK!! - Silver Creek Pathway on DIY Redscale
•camera: pentax k1000 •film stock: fujifilm superia 400 (flipped) •developed and scanned: pink folder film house These photos were made with DIY redscale film made from… Read more: Silver Creek Pathway on DIY Redscale