Thursday, June 23, 2016

Transgender Art

When visiting Toronto, I stayed at a hip hotel Suzanne recommended, The Gladstone Hotel. I'm glad I did. The hotel was full of artwork. Coincidentally, there was an exhibition on my floor by a local transgender artist who is also a well-known musician.

The art is a series of photographs taken by the artist which replicate early pictures of her mother from the 1970's. In the photos, the artist portrays her mother in the same clothes, makeup and poses. Next to each photo is the original picture it is replicating.

At the end, there's a poignant open-letter by the artist to her mother. Take a look.















12 comments:

  1. Your hotel was so fun with all the artwork everywhere.

    This was a very unique series.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  2. What a beautiful exhibit and letter. Thanks for sharing it with us :)

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  3. Beautiful! Tissues here, after reading that letter. xox

    -Patti

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  4. What a coincidence - which btw I don't think exist - some things are relly meant to be.
    The art is amazing, I mean just the idea is wonderful, to replicate the mother's pictures.
    I loved reading the letter, its so personal and insightful.

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  5. How amazing! Really beautiful and touching. Someone on Instagram does the same thing sometimes. But he takes pictures of his mom and himself in the same dress! But he is transsexual.

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  6. I just read through all your travel posts - I'm so glad you had such a great trip, and what a great place to have stayed!

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  7. Quite a letter! I'd be interested to know if mom had a change to read the letter and if she responded. I hope that mom loved her for who she came to be. Thanks for sharing!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  8. That's beautiful - what a lovely letter to her mom.

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  9. What a fantastic art project! Reflecting on identity this way, seeing yourself in your mother, or exploring the role of women in society. There are so many ways to interpret these pictures.

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  10. The emotions are, understandably, raw and bracingly real in that letter. What a stirring and unforgettable letter (and photographic project). Thank you very much for sharing it with us, Ally.

    ♥ Jessica

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  11. This is amazing. So glad you shared. Super cool.

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