Muddy

Introdution

“By moving beyond our original ways of understanding, we can see the pure reality of our lives.”

This photograph represents the lived reality of transgender people: the discrimination and negative associations that come from our surroundings are like merciless paint covering us again and again, blurring our most honest selves.

This work shows the realities of transgender people in different parts of society. Although the mud in the image feels heavy, it cannot prevent us from feeling the warmth of one another’s embrace or the true selves represented by tattoos.

In the mud of discrimination, we continue to firmly search for a place where we can feel safe and supported, and keep breathing.

Comment From the Judge :
Po Sung Chai

Muddy gives a physical form to stigma. The transgender person in the image appears to be in a painful yet calm state beneath the image of mud.

It also brings to mind the changing meaning of the word “QUEER.” One of the best ways to fight stigma is to take back the space to define ourselves, turning stigma into an accessory and presenting our own beauty without fear.