Fotograaf Sevilay Maria en ik ontmoeten elkaar terwijl we kettlebells door High Studio’s zwaaiden. Wie had kunnen bedenken dat we een jaar later o.a. een boek, een online platform en een reizende kunstinstallatie zouden vullen met beeld, tekst en audio. Het is wel wat er gebeurde.
There’s one question. Asked even before we are born.
Boy or girl?
A question that upon answering, instantly provides a full set of rules and expectations on how to dress, what to like, how to express yourself, and what to aspire. But what if it didn’t?
#MYOWNGENDER by photographer Sevilay Maria explores the extensive grey zone existing between male and female, retelling the stories of those who defy society’s gender spectrum with every form they fill out and every bathroom visit. While #MYOWNGENDER started as a stand-alone, travelling art installation, Sevilay Maria felt that the story to tell required more than just still images. To capture the full spectrum and all its subtleties, the project includes a book, multiple documentaries, an online platform, a podcast, and an educational programme.
The past 3 years, Sevilay Maria van Dorst, founder of the #MYOWNGENDER project, has delved into all nuances of gender. The #MYOWNGENDER project is the final chapter of this arch. Models who each powerfully represent a unique shade within the spectrum of gender are captured on black glass through collodion wet-plating and share their story in a short interview. No matter what their pronoun may be. No matter old or young. No matter background or religion.
As of January 2020, #MYOWNGENDER will be exhibited at multiple locations and museums. The accompanying book is planned to be released summer 2020.
For more information, visit myowngender.com.
Punch Intended 