Orpheus Acosta's 'Long Time Caller, First Time Listener' Explores American Dysphoria

New York-based photographer Orpheus Acosta, who was adopted by a Puerto Rican family at two months old, showcases his work titled 'Long Time Caller, First Time Listener,' which is influenced by a sense of American dysphoria. At the age of 16, Acosta began to seek information regarding his adoption and started capturing his surroundings through photography and video, often reflecting on feelings of dislocation. The title of the project is inspired by radio call-in culture, portraying communication as an uncertain outreach. Dysphoria is depicted not as a spectacle but as an atmosphere, highlighting the gaps in human connection. Acosta earned a BFA in Photography from SUNY Purchase. His ongoing project, rooted in personal experiences, examines how identity and emotion interact with systems that promise visibility yet often create distance. In 2026, the work was featured on Booooooom, alongside the 2025 Photo Awards Winners and the Tomorrow's Talent 5 Book.