Dale Mateo
@dalemateoart.bsky.social
Photography, collage, + mixed media
Exploring faith, isolation, + human fragility
Recent works: Eden Lost • Room 13 • Valley of Shadows
www.DaleMateo.com
Exploring faith, isolation, + human fragility
Recent works: Eden Lost • Room 13 • Valley of Shadows
www.DaleMateo.com
Light does not absolve.
It lingers, exposing what was never confessed.
Penitent Light, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #PhotoSeries #FaithAndDoubt #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography
It lingers, exposing what was never confessed.
Penitent Light, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #PhotoSeries #FaithAndDoubt #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography
February 3, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Light does not absolve.
It lingers, exposing what was never confessed.
Penitent Light, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #PhotoSeries #FaithAndDoubt #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography
It lingers, exposing what was never confessed.
Penitent Light, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #PhotoSeries #FaithAndDoubt #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography
We often drift away. Some return. Some stay away.
Drift Away, 2026.
Collage on hard book-cover.
11.5 x 8.25 inches.
✅ Available. DM to purchase.
#analogcollage #artcollector #artforsale #contemporaryart #cutandpaste
Drift Away, 2026.
Collage on hard book-cover.
11.5 x 8.25 inches.
✅ Available. DM to purchase.
#analogcollage #artcollector #artforsale #contemporaryart #cutandpaste
February 3, 2026 at 1:51 AM
We often drift away. Some return. Some stay away.
Drift Away, 2026.
Collage on hard book-cover.
11.5 x 8.25 inches.
✅ Available. DM to purchase.
#analogcollage #artcollector #artforsale #contemporaryart #cutandpaste
Drift Away, 2026.
Collage on hard book-cover.
11.5 x 8.25 inches.
✅ Available. DM to purchase.
#analogcollage #artcollector #artforsale #contemporaryart #cutandpaste
A stack of old magazines is like paper gold. It’s a treasure hunt every time you flip through the pages.
Analog collage on hard book-cover.
#analogcollage #cutandpaste #collageart #collageartist #contemporaryart
Analog collage on hard book-cover.
#analogcollage #cutandpaste #collageart #collageartist #contemporaryart
February 2, 2026 at 8:28 PM
A stack of old magazines is like paper gold. It’s a treasure hunt every time you flip through the pages.
Analog collage on hard book-cover.
#analogcollage #cutandpaste #collageart #collageartist #contemporaryart
Analog collage on hard book-cover.
#analogcollage #cutandpaste #collageart #collageartist #contemporaryart
Took this at an eerie abandoned house in Borrego Springs, CA.
No Escape, 2020.
Taken on Polaroid 600 film.
#polaroid #polaroidphotography #polaroid600 #contemporaryphotography #fineart
No Escape, 2020.
Taken on Polaroid 600 film.
#polaroid #polaroidphotography #polaroid600 #contemporaryphotography #fineart
February 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Took this at an eerie abandoned house in Borrego Springs, CA.
No Escape, 2020.
Taken on Polaroid 600 film.
#polaroid #polaroidphotography #polaroid600 #contemporaryphotography #fineart
No Escape, 2020.
Taken on Polaroid 600 film.
#polaroid #polaroidphotography #polaroid600 #contemporaryphotography #fineart
Will I make it back to East Jesus in 2026? I hope so. Who’s down for a road trip to the desert?
Untitled, East Jesus, 2022
#eastjesus #slabcity #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #keepitweird
Untitled, East Jesus, 2022
#eastjesus #slabcity #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #keepitweird
February 1, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Will I make it back to East Jesus in 2026? I hope so. Who’s down for a road trip to the desert?
Untitled, East Jesus, 2022
#eastjesus #slabcity #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #keepitweird
Untitled, East Jesus, 2022
#eastjesus #slabcity #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #keepitweird
“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”
Confession, 2023.
@leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroid600film #polaroidsx70 #brooklynfilmcamera
Confession, 2023.
@leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroid600film #polaroidsx70 #brooklynfilmcamera
January 28, 2026 at 4:47 PM
“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”
Confession, 2023.
@leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroid600film #polaroidsx70 #brooklynfilmcamera
Confession, 2023.
@leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroid600film #polaroidsx70 #brooklynfilmcamera
Check out these images from my series “East Jesus” that I’ve taken over the years.
You can see the complete series on my website. Link in bio. (DaleMateo.com)
#EastJesus #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #slabcity #moodyphotography
You can see the complete series on my website. Link in bio. (DaleMateo.com)
#EastJesus #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #slabcity #moodyphotography
January 24, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Check out these images from my series “East Jesus” that I’ve taken over the years.
You can see the complete series on my website. Link in bio. (DaleMateo.com)
#EastJesus #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #slabcity #moodyphotography
You can see the complete series on my website. Link in bio. (DaleMateo.com)
#EastJesus #contemporaryphotography #colorphotography #slabcity #moodyphotography
No voice.
No sign.
Only the weight of being there.
A selection of images from my series - Valley of Shadows.
1. The Prophet Fell, 2024
2. Fragment of Sanctuary, 2015
3. The River Did Not Carry Them, 2023
#ValleyOfShadows #FaithInAbsence #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography #SpiritualAbsence
No sign.
Only the weight of being there.
A selection of images from my series - Valley of Shadows.
1. The Prophet Fell, 2024
2. Fragment of Sanctuary, 2015
3. The River Did Not Carry Them, 2023
#ValleyOfShadows #FaithInAbsence #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography #SpiritualAbsence
January 22, 2026 at 11:41 PM
No voice.
No sign.
Only the weight of being there.
A selection of images from my series - Valley of Shadows.
1. The Prophet Fell, 2024
2. Fragment of Sanctuary, 2015
3. The River Did Not Carry Them, 2023
#ValleyOfShadows #FaithInAbsence #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography #SpiritualAbsence
No sign.
Only the weight of being there.
A selection of images from my series - Valley of Shadows.
1. The Prophet Fell, 2024
2. Fragment of Sanctuary, 2015
3. The River Did Not Carry Them, 2023
#ValleyOfShadows #FaithInAbsence #HumanFragility #ContemporaryPhotography #SpiritualAbsence
A Polaroid of Megan taken at a small church in Borrego Springs.
#polaroid #polaroidbw #polaroidsx70 #polaroid600 #polaroidphotography
#polaroid #polaroidbw #polaroidsx70 #polaroid600 #polaroidphotography
January 21, 2026 at 12:11 AM
A Polaroid of Megan taken at a small church in Borrego Springs.
#polaroid #polaroidbw #polaroidsx70 #polaroid600 #polaroidphotography
#polaroid #polaroidbw #polaroidsx70 #polaroid600 #polaroidphotography
Reflected in Silence, 2023 | Valley of Shadows
Nothing speaks. Silence becomes a mirror.
#ValleyOfShadows #MinimalPoetry #ContemporaryPhotography #ArtPhotography #SpiritualVoid
Nothing speaks. Silence becomes a mirror.
#ValleyOfShadows #MinimalPoetry #ContemporaryPhotography #ArtPhotography #SpiritualVoid
January 20, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reflected in Silence, 2023 | Valley of Shadows
Nothing speaks. Silence becomes a mirror.
#ValleyOfShadows #MinimalPoetry #ContemporaryPhotography #ArtPhotography #SpiritualVoid
Nothing speaks. Silence becomes a mirror.
#ValleyOfShadows #MinimalPoetry #ContemporaryPhotography #ArtPhotography #SpiritualVoid
The Howl is Silent, 2025 | Valley of Shadows
No answers. No witness.
#ValleyofShadows #SpiritualDesolation #ContemporaryPhotography #SilentLament #HumanFragility
No answers. No witness.
#ValleyofShadows #SpiritualDesolation #ContemporaryPhotography #SilentLament #HumanFragility
January 19, 2026 at 5:33 PM
The Howl is Silent, 2025 | Valley of Shadows
No answers. No witness.
#ValleyofShadows #SpiritualDesolation #ContemporaryPhotography #SilentLament #HumanFragility
No answers. No witness.
#ValleyofShadows #SpiritualDesolation #ContemporaryPhotography #SilentLament #HumanFragility
Dissolving Faith, 2018 | Room 13
A quiet moment where belief quietly recedes.
#Room13 #DissolvingFaith #Isolation #HumanFragility #ContemporaryArt
A quiet moment where belief quietly recedes.
#Room13 #DissolvingFaith #Isolation #HumanFragility #ContemporaryArt
January 18, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Dissolving Faith, 2018 | Room 13
A quiet moment where belief quietly recedes.
#Room13 #DissolvingFaith #Isolation #HumanFragility #ContemporaryArt
A quiet moment where belief quietly recedes.
#Room13 #DissolvingFaith #Isolation #HumanFragility #ContemporaryArt
A couple Polaroids from my 2023 shoot with Claire.
#Polaroid #polaroid600film #blackandwhitephotography #contemporaryphotography #polaroidphotography
#Polaroid #polaroid600film #blackandwhitephotography #contemporaryphotography #polaroidphotography
January 16, 2026 at 5:12 PM
A couple Polaroids from my 2023 shoot with Claire.
#Polaroid #polaroid600film #blackandwhitephotography #contemporaryphotography #polaroidphotography
#Polaroid #polaroid600film #blackandwhitephotography #contemporaryphotography #polaroidphotography
Which one is your favorite: 1, 2, 3, or 4? 🖤
These are from a shoot from a few years ago with Melanie. I’m working on my next zine and want to include one of these. Let me know which one you like.
#contemporaryphotography #blackandwhitephotography #room13 #darkart #moodyart
These are from a shoot from a few years ago with Melanie. I’m working on my next zine and want to include one of these. Let me know which one you like.
#contemporaryphotography #blackandwhitephotography #room13 #darkart #moodyart
January 16, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Which one is your favorite: 1, 2, 3, or 4? 🖤
These are from a shoot from a few years ago with Melanie. I’m working on my next zine and want to include one of these. Let me know which one you like.
#contemporaryphotography #blackandwhitephotography #room13 #darkart #moodyart
These are from a shoot from a few years ago with Melanie. I’m working on my next zine and want to include one of these. Let me know which one you like.
#contemporaryphotography #blackandwhitephotography #room13 #darkart #moodyart
These were taken in East Jesus, Slab City.
It’s a place that feels like the end of the road and the beginning of something else. I keep coming back, camera in hand, trying to understand why it feels like home.
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ColorPhotography
It’s a place that feels like the end of the road and the beginning of something else. I keep coming back, camera in hand, trying to understand why it feels like home.
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ColorPhotography
January 15, 2026 at 4:39 PM
These were taken in East Jesus, Slab City.
It’s a place that feels like the end of the road and the beginning of something else. I keep coming back, camera in hand, trying to understand why it feels like home.
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ColorPhotography
It’s a place that feels like the end of the road and the beginning of something else. I keep coming back, camera in hand, trying to understand why it feels like home.
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ColorPhotography
Silent Witness, 2025 | Valley of Shadows
The silence is empty. It’s complicit.
#ValleyOfShadows #contemporaryphotography #artphotography #fineart #artcollector
The silence is empty. It’s complicit.
#ValleyOfShadows #contemporaryphotography #artphotography #fineart #artcollector
January 14, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Silent Witness, 2025 | Valley of Shadows
The silence is empty. It’s complicit.
#ValleyOfShadows #contemporaryphotography #artphotography #fineart #artcollector
The silence is empty. It’s complicit.
#ValleyOfShadows #contemporaryphotography #artphotography #fineart #artcollector
Her tears wash over her, but no cleansing comes.
Rinsed Away, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #FineArtPhotography #ArtCollector
Rinsed Away, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #FineArtPhotography #ArtCollector
January 13, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Her tears wash over her, but no cleansing comes.
Rinsed Away, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #FineArtPhotography #ArtCollector
Rinsed Away, 2018 | Room 13
#Room13 #ContemporaryPhotography #ContemporaryArt #FineArtPhotography #ArtCollector
Vanishing Presence, 2018 | Room 13
She is still here.
Just no longer available to you.
#Room13 #FineArtPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ContemporaryPhotography #ColorPhotography
She is still here.
Just no longer available to you.
#Room13 #FineArtPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ContemporaryPhotography #ColorPhotography
January 12, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Vanishing Presence, 2018 | Room 13
She is still here.
Just no longer available to you.
#Room13 #FineArtPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ContemporaryPhotography #ColorPhotography
She is still here.
Just no longer available to you.
#Room13 #FineArtPhotography #ContemporaryArt #ContemporaryPhotography #ColorPhotography
A desert saint, crowned by faith, rust, and sunlight.
Untitled, East Jesus, 2025
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ColorPhotography #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt
Untitled, East Jesus, 2025
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ColorPhotography #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt
January 12, 2026 at 5:21 PM
A desert saint, crowned by faith, rust, and sunlight.
Untitled, East Jesus, 2025
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ColorPhotography #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt
Untitled, East Jesus, 2025
#EastJesus #SlabCity #ColorPhotography #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt
Ascending from Eden, 2016 | Eden Lost
We’re taught that exile is punishment.
But sometimes it’s liberation.
#EdenLost #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt #ArtCollector #BWPhotography
We’re taught that exile is punishment.
But sometimes it’s liberation.
#EdenLost #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt #ArtCollector #BWPhotography
January 10, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Ascending from Eden, 2016 | Eden Lost
We’re taught that exile is punishment.
But sometimes it’s liberation.
#EdenLost #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt #ArtCollector #BWPhotography
We’re taught that exile is punishment.
But sometimes it’s liberation.
#EdenLost #ContemporaryPhotography #FineArt #ArtCollector #BWPhotography
Not every confession is spoken.
CONFESSION, 2023
Taken on a Polaroid SX-70 camera that has been converted to shoot 600 film.
#Polaroid #Polaroidsx70 #Polaroid600 #ContemporaryPhotography
Model: @leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
CONFESSION, 2023
Taken on a Polaroid SX-70 camera that has been converted to shoot 600 film.
#Polaroid #Polaroidsx70 #Polaroid600 #ContemporaryPhotography
Model: @leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Not every confession is spoken.
CONFESSION, 2023
Taken on a Polaroid SX-70 camera that has been converted to shoot 600 film.
#Polaroid #Polaroidsx70 #Polaroid600 #ContemporaryPhotography
Model: @leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
CONFESSION, 2023
Taken on a Polaroid SX-70 camera that has been converted to shoot 600 film.
#Polaroid #Polaroidsx70 #Polaroid600 #ContemporaryPhotography
Model: @leatherfacesmom.bsky.social
A Polaroid from a shoot I did back in 2023. Who else loves the look of Polaroids?
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroidsx70
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroidsx70
August 12, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A Polaroid from a shoot I did back in 2023. Who else loves the look of Polaroids?
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroidsx70
#polaroid #polaroid600 #polaroidsx70
REVELATIONS #2 is now available for pre-order on my website! 🔥 📸
I’m super proud of this zine and happy to be offering it as the follow up to #1. I’ll be offering it at a “pre-order” discount for one week.
I also still have copies of REVELATIONS #1 available.
Grab yours now. Link in bio.
I’m super proud of this zine and happy to be offering it as the follow up to #1. I’ll be offering it at a “pre-order” discount for one week.
I also still have copies of REVELATIONS #1 available.
Grab yours now. Link in bio.
July 5, 2025 at 5:22 PM
REVELATIONS #2 is now available for pre-order on my website! 🔥 📸
I’m super proud of this zine and happy to be offering it as the follow up to #1. I’ll be offering it at a “pre-order” discount for one week.
I also still have copies of REVELATIONS #1 available.
Grab yours now. Link in bio.
I’m super proud of this zine and happy to be offering it as the follow up to #1. I’ll be offering it at a “pre-order” discount for one week.
I also still have copies of REVELATIONS #1 available.
Grab yours now. Link in bio.
Reposted by Dale Mateo
I love letting you taste what you’ve been starving for.
Shot by: @dalemateoart.bsky.social
Full post on my IG: @mskalipha
Shot by: @dalemateoart.bsky.social
Full post on my IG: @mskalipha
June 6, 2025 at 4:17 PM
I love letting you taste what you’ve been starving for.
Shot by: @dalemateoart.bsky.social
Full post on my IG: @mskalipha
Shot by: @dalemateoart.bsky.social
Full post on my IG: @mskalipha
Reposted by Dale Mateo
Recent photoshoot with @dalemateoart.bsky.social was 🔥🔥🔥
April 30, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Recent photoshoot with @dalemateoart.bsky.social was 🔥🔥🔥