Theo Graves

Theo Graves is a photographer who seeks beauty in decadence and decay in the ordinary. He is a character in NYC portrayed by Isaac Powell. Theo is a self-proclaimed psychic of Haitian descent sentimentally involved with Adam Carpenter.

What is the unique perspective that Theo Graves brings to his photography? toggle section

Theo Graves, a NYC character, is a photographer with a unique perspective. He sees beauty in the ordinary and decadence, a trait inherited from his psychic Haitian lineage. Initially, he photographed risqué subjects, finding beauty in the grotesque. However, he shifted his focus to photographing flowers and water drops due to dissatisfaction with the commercialization of his art.

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How did Theo Graves' relationship with Sam influence his career? toggle section

Sam's financial support and clientele played a significant role in Theo Graves' career. Theo's expensive habits were funded by Sam, an art dealer. His brash and arrogant demeanor was a result of Sam's influence. Despite this, Theo showed capability for selfless actions post their separation. Sam's clientele, who bought overpriced art, indirectly bolstered Theo's career.

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How does Theo Graves' Haitian descent influence his character? toggle section

Theo Graves, a NYC-based character, identifies as a psychic of Haitian heritage. His cultural roots likely shape his distinctive viewpoint as a photographer, finding beauty in decay. Haitian traditions, rich in spirituality and mysticism, might also inform his psychic abilities.

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What led Theo Graves to move to New York City? toggle section

Theo Graves, a psychic of Haitian heritage, relocated to New York City to advance his photography career. He was captivated by the city's distinctive mix of decay and decadence, which he aimed to encapsulate in his photography. A person named Sam assisted in his move.

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Background[]

Theo moved to New York City at some point in his life and began his career with Sam's help. In a conversation with Adam, Theo described his work as exposing the perverted in what everyone else sees as beautiful. Initially, he used to photograph subjects other people saw as grotesque such as a scrοtum wrapped in chains. To him, it was beautiful like a bouquet. However, as soon as other people started seeing the beauty in it, Theo lost interest and trivialized his work – Now he likes photographing flowers and water drops.^[2]

Story[]

Personality and Appearance[]

Theo professes to have psychic gifts inherited from his Haitian grandmother, a woman believed to be a witch because she could see things that others could not. Theo is a hedonist and sought-after photographer who used to have risqué subjects before growing bothered by people marketing his art. Theo has a brash and arrogant attitude that he ascribed as coming from Sam's negative influence. Unlike his former lover, however, Theo is capable of selfless gestures and fits right in with Adam and his crew in a more positive environment.

Quotes[]

To Adam: "When I used to photograph a scrοtum wrapped in chains, other people saw something grotesque, but I saw a bouquet, you know?"

Notes[]

His full name is Theodore Marcus Graves, as revealed in "Requiem 1981/1987 Part 1".
The character is loosely based on erotic NYC photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe, with many nods to his photography and art, relationship with wealthy art curator, Samuel Jones Wagstaff Jr. (the inspiration for the character Sam Jones), and death due to HIV/AIDS complications in the late 80's.
The surname Graves is common amongst some families and descendants of the Salem witch trials, which may be a nod to Theo's allusion to having psychic gifts.