Val Kesterton

Three women with gothic makeup and hair behind a green metal fence, looking at the camera.

Artist Bio

Val Kesterton is an illustrator, writer, and photographer, whose work centres on the gothic. Eternally enraptured with the macabre energy of gothic literature, and the dark romance of eighties gothic rock, Val Kesterton’s defining project hones in on the dramatised core of this subculture’s essence.

Pairing theatrical performances with inspired poetry, Val Kesterton uses their mediums to imbue one another with chilling meaning.

Growing up in a part of the world not friendly to alternative subculture and lifestyle, moving to the UK at age 17 gave Kesterton space to explore their roots and fully immerse themself in the subculture which so enchants them.

Their dark sensibilities on full display, they work as a sports photographer with Malaper Photography, funding their self-published zine and collector’s clothbound book series as part of their No Tears project.

A young person with short, styled hair and makeup with painted black tears under their eyes, wearing a black 'Defend Nature' T-shirt and a silver necklace, standing outdoors at night with blurred city lights in the background.