Though the tale follows a seemingly conventional romantic narrative, Hoque’s universe carries a full intentionality to convey the wholeness of each figure, whether it be a lover, or a winged guardian. Each curved and coiffed body at peace — writing a story of self love that paves the way for a procession to harmonious unification.

From deliberate allusions to the flora of Hoque’s home state Florida, an homage to a memorial site in his home country Bangladesh, to the romanesque architecture of his childhood upbringing in Italy; each element that pervades throughout the eerily pristine, ancient site, builds upon the amalgamation of “Lovers Rock” that feels both intimate and foreign, evoking a sense of déjàvu. In this way, Hoque’s idyllic universe simultaneously carries the weight of the unstoppable forces of time. A reminder that our bodies will change, cultures will evolve, people will pass, and the earth will never be the same.

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Story by : Sarah Han