Visions of the World Inc. founder and visionary photographer, filmmaker, and philanthropist Julian Starks is set to release the second volume of his acclaimed fine art photography series, Life Behind Bars.
Titled Life Behind Bars…Except if you’re Free, the new book expands Starks’s mission to give voice to the world’s most endangered animals, this time taking readers beyond the cages of sanctuaries and zoos into the wild landscapes of Africa.
The journey began five years ago with a life-changing tour of Shambala Preserve, founded by actress and animal advocate Tippi Hedren. Inspired by her story and the majestic lion Henson, Julian created the book “Life Behind Bars Vol. 1”, which has since evolved into a multimedia campaign for conservation. This majestic photo of Henson the lion illustrates the first cover. Henson made a special connection with Julian. He held his gaze while the photo was taken, which gave the picture its gravitas.
Starks’s first volume, originally launched in March 2020, was an intimate collection dedicated to animals in captivity across America. It captured the powerful and striking images of lions, tigers, gorillas, and primates, pairing artistry with advocacy.
Despite its promising debut, the global pandemic stalled its release. Now, with the support of an established publisher based in Albuquerque, Life Behind Bars Vol. 1 has been rebranded and relaunched, making its debut at the Clio Art Fair. The 2nd edition will be from the 18th to the 21st of September 2025 in New York City, and his work will also be presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest literary book fairs in the world.
“The first book was meant to shine a light on the lives of animals in captivity and the people who dedicate themselves to protecting them,” Starks explains. “But the pandemic hit right when it was supposed to launch, and everything froze for three years. This rebrand gives the work the life it always deserved.”
Through Visions of the World Inc., his nonprofit dedicated to wildlife awareness, Starks is committed to ensuring that proceeds from the book support animal care and conservation.
Building on that foundation, Life Behind Bars Vol. 2 shifts its lens outward. The upcoming volume will explore the lives of animals in their natural habitats, including safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with a special focus on the work organizations that are protecting Gorillas and preserving the ecosystem in which they live. Starks has dedicated the book to Dian Fossey, who gave her life for the pursuit of animal conservation, an American zoologist and conservationist, honoring her tireless efforts to protect mountain gorillas and inspire global conservation.
“The first book was about animals behind bars, those living in sanctuaries and preserves,” Starks explains. “But the second is about freedom, survival, and the fight to protect these magnificent creatures in the wild. It will be a comparison between the animals in the wild and their counterparts in captivity. It’s a story of resilience, and it’s also a call to action.”
What sets this next chapter apart is Starks’s integration of art, storytelling, and innovation. Alongside the book launch, he has developed a digital art campaign tied to his now-celebrated black-and-white lion photograph. The image, first sold as an NFT to a private collector, inspired Starks to create a collection of many unique digital artworks. Each piece connects back to the Life Behind Bars series and Visions of the World Inc., with a portion of proceeds supporting wildlife preservation.
With the release of Life Behind Bars Volume 2, Starks is cementing his role as both artist and activist.
His photographs, often capturing animals in moments of vulnerability and dignity, aim to stir empathy and action.“We want to offer more than art; we want to create experiences that inspire people to care about these animals the way I do,” he says.
Life Behind Bars Vol. 2 will officially launch in early 2026, with pre-sale opportunities and NFT campaigns leading up to the release. For Starks, the work is far from finished. “These books are not just projects, they’re my way of standing with these animals, telling their stories, and ensuring they’re not forgotten,” he said.
Through the book, its accompanying NFT campaign, and his nonprofit initiatives, Julian Starks continues to merge fine art, storytelling, and innovation in the service of wildlife.