The Shape of Self: A photographic journey into West Bengal transgender communities

In December 2024, Florence will become the stage for The Shape of Self, a powerful photographic exhibition by the artist Alessio Maximilian Schroder.

This moving collection captures the diverse and resilient voices within West Bengal’s transgender communities and will serve as the pre-opening event for the 24th River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, held at Cinema La Compagnia.

Curated by Martino Marangoni, The Shape of Self will be hosted by the B.east Gallery from December 5 to February 5, 2025. The series presents portraits of transgender individuals—Transwomen, Transmen, Hijras and Cross-dressers—spanning social classes, castes and generations. Through 85 medium-format, analog portraits, Schroder invites viewers into a world where the complex narratives of identity, self-discovery and resilience take center stage. Only 16 portraits will be on view during the exhibition.

The project began in 2014, a landmark year for transgender rights in India, as the Supreme Court officially recognized the Third Gender. This recognition catalyzed a movement towards greater visibility and acceptance for the trans community across the nation. The Shape of Self represents this transformative period and offers an intimate look at how each person shapes their identity amidst cultural, social and political challenges.

Schroder’s artistic approach centers on an ethos of respect and empowerment. Each subject is photographed in an environment that resonates with their personal journey, whether in their private rooms, the streets they walk daily or their workplaces. They are presented in the dress, make-up and colors of their choice, always positioned in the center of the frame, gazing directly at the viewer. These portraits show activists, artists, dancers, models, actresses, make-up artists, corporate employees, cooks, sex workers, teachers and students, each embodying unique facets of what it means to exist as one’s true self.

The series is particularly poignant in its portrayal of intimate spaces as vessels for identity. For many of these individuals, private rooms hold symbolic significance—they are safe spaces where personal growth, acceptance and expression take root. These frames reveal more than just faces; they capture the essence of resilience and the diverse stories that form the tapestry of West Bengal’s trans community.

This exhibition is not just about viewing art; it’s about fostering understanding and supporting human rights through cultural dialogue. To support the project, B.east Gallery has launched a fundraising initiative that offers donors various forms of recognition. Contributions under €500 include mentions in the festival and exhibition materials, as well as invitations to the private opening and a chance to meet the artist. For contributions starting at €500, donors can receive a chosen photograph from the series printed on Dibond panel in three sizes: 40×32 cm (€500 donation), 80×65 cm (€1000 donation), and 140×115 cm (€2000 donation). These generous contributions will help cover the costs of exhibition setup and promote an important message: a commitment to the rights and representation of transgender communities and to celebrating their stories through art.

For more information, contributions and inquiries, contact B.east Gallery at beastgalleryflorence@gmail.com.

About the artist: Alessio Maximilian Schroder

Alessio Maximilian Schroder is a visual storyteller whose work often explores themes of identity, marginalization and resilience. The Shape of Self is a testament to his sensitivity as a photographer, as he approaches each subject with the respect and empathy needed to convey authenticity. Schroder’s choice to work in analog medium format imbues each portrait with a richness and depth that complements the layers of each individual’s life story. His work emphasizes not just the visibility but the vibrancy of each individual, showcasing identity not as a static concept but as a constantly evolving narrative shaped by culture, personal history and inner strength.

Courtesy : The Florentine

Note: This news is originally published in theflorentine.net and was used solely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights