About

Two figures sit connected in serene contemplation, embodying harmony and mutual strength.

There are a handful of portraits that I’ve captured that truly occupy a special place in my heart. This photograph of Maria Jose & Maria Del Mar was taken in 2018 as I was just beginning to seriously explore the many faces around with a camera. I was drawn to them through their relationship with clay. These women carry their ancestral lineage into every piece they sculpt. Combining the elements of our planet and traditional Indigenous practices, they create truly sacred work. Together, they form Ayasham creations. At the time, I was in college, enrolled in a portrait and still photography class, learning about light patterns and how to properly photograph women and male subjects. Photographing twins should have been a no-brainer, right? Not really, in the moment, I’d never felt more set to drift. How could I make a striking image with two subjects, a couch and a wall? I was very comfortable just having a singular focal point of interest up until this shoot. My professor would ask many times during the semester what I was saying with my work. I’d hear this like a mantra from that year onwards. Intuitively, I asked them to sit on the couch until I felt that “Ah ha” moment surface. Seeing that the twins came into the world together, I figured the best way to visually communicate unity was to have them hold hands. Afterall we are all just here walking each other home.

The photograph “Ayasham Twins” by Nkosi Gomez is a quiet, intimate black-and-white portrait of two young women seated side by side on a simple couch. They face forward with calm, steady expressions, their gazes directed toward the camera, creating an immediate sense of presence and connection.

The twins sit close enough that their shoulders touch, their bodies angled slightly outward but joined at the center by their hands, which are gently clasped. This small but deliberate gesture becomes the emotional anchor of the image—it suggests unity, shared identity, and an unspoken bond that goes beyond words.

Their appearances echo one another while still retaining individuality. One has long, textured hair that falls in thick strands over her shoulder, while the other’s hair is smoother and pulled back. Both wear simple, flowing garments and subtle jewelry, and faint tattoos are visible on their arms. Their bare feet rest naturally on the floor, grounding the image in a sense of ease and authenticity.

The setting is minimal: a plain wall and an unadorned couch. This stripped-down environment removes distractions, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the relationship between the two subjects. The soft lighting highlights their faces and the textures of their clothing, enhancing the sense of stillness and contemplation.

Within the context of the photograph’s creation, the image reads as more than a portrait—it becomes a study of duality and connection. It reflects themes of shared heritage, identity, and balance: two individuals who are distinct yet inseparable, presented with dignity and quiet strength.

Specifications

Artwork Size: 6 ½ x 8 ½ ( 16.51 x 21.59 cm)

Print Size: Signed 8×10 in ( 20.32 x 25.4 cm)

White Precut Mat Size: 11×14 in ( 27.94 x 35.56 cm)

Photo finish: Epson Velvet Fine Art. Textured Matte Finish. An acid-free, 100% cotton rag base with a natural textured finish. This paper has an extremely high color gamut and black density. This paper is coated with our popular Enhanced Matte coating, giving exceptional color gamut and high D-Max. The velvet surface is a favorite of photographers and artists alike, offering a unique museum-quality feel.

Frame NOT Included.

This print ships within one week of the order date.