Kirk Lisaj
Meet Kirk Lisaj, a Montreal-based photographer and image-maker whose work transforms the everyday into something quietly surreal. Drawing inspiration from nature, nightlife, and queerness, their images balance absurdity with tenderness, capturing the romantic edges of the human experience. With a background in social work, they approach photography as a compassionate practice — documenting people and moments with care, intention, and emotional depth across both art and commercial worlds.
Photo Credit: Claudine Baltazar
Q&A
How would you describe yourself? I’m a photographer and image maker based in Toronto. I work primarily with musicians and other artists, and my images focus on nature, surrealism and queer identity.
What is your favorite public realm, and where is it located? My favourite public realm would be Arcosanti, a small township in Arizona designed in 1970 by the architect Paolo Solari. The town was designed with the intention of being a self-sustaining ecosystem and residence that combats urban sprawl while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. The project ultimately dissolved as time went by with only a handful of residents still living there now, but it remains open to the public and is one of the most spectacular public spaces I have ever visited.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj
How did you first discover this space, and what makes it special to you? When I first finished my undergrad, I planned a trip to visit Arizona with some friends. While I was doing research for my trip, I discovered a festival called FORM which took place in Arcosanti. The festival had amazing musical programming and took place in this idyllic location, so for me it was a no brainer to buy a ticket and make the stop. During my time at the festival, I found myself operating at a very slow and meditative pace, feeling deeply at peace with how far away I felt from any familiar urbanity and surrounded by endless desert landscape. I spent time learning about the history of Arcosanti, and felt moved by the project’s ambitions to be a space where nature and human civilization can coexist symbiotically. Visiting Arcosanti felt special because it represented a microcosm of what a functioning post-capitalist society could look like if we reprioritized our relationship with the land. I managed to visit Arcosanti again last year, and am hoping to return sometime in the near future.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj
If this space had a personality, how would you describe it? I would say that Arcosanti has the personality of a relaxed, easy-going friend who maybe doesn’t talk a lot, but seems to always know the right thing to say when you’re seeking solace.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj