radical acceptance, Jamie Rivera, 2020
Most people think taking photos takes you out of the moment. As a film photographer, my photo process makes me feel connected to the subject, moment and environment. Being present can be authentic.
The theme “Its a Plastic World” made me want to portray a version of authenticity through plastic surgery.
I am inspired by light and the way it inspires different emotions in us. My drawings express being openly queer and prideful, and the imagery transmasculine folk embrace and celebrate from our experience. Warm tones and the almost solemn expression on the model’s face in the center image convey a desperate desire for that physical and spiritual authenticity that my trans siblings have, that I cannot have right now.
Accepting that I am allowed to be upset about my body, my lack of power to change it, and accepting that even though my queer family encourages celebration of my pre-op body, I can accept that I don't feel that I am not ready for celebration yet and that I am allowed to feel- “icky”.