Besides a book, a podcast, an educational programme, the online platform and multiple documentaries, the main element of the #MYOWNGENDER project is a traveling art installation fusing photography with audio, video, and written word. A unity showcasing all the nuances of gender.

Models who find themselves redefine society’s traditional gender spectrum 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. All become an element within a circular construction that encloses every passerby with their story. The viewer becomes the viewed – even if it’s just for a second.

With this construction, Sevilay Maria mirrors the strength of vulnerability which she found to be present in all of her models. The strength of rewriting society by showing their true self. In #MYOWNGENDER, fragile sheets of glass meet 2,5-meter-high walls made of imperfect steel. As Sevilay Maria omitted the use of varnish after developing her images, her portraits will eventually show signs of time passing in the form of natural oxidation – resembling the continuous conversation that is gender. From there on, layers build upon layers. The still images – portraying the models somewhat heroically – upon the movies – observing intimate fragments of life in atmospheric scenes – upon the audio that will be available to listen to after scanning the installation with a phone – a direct conversation with the portrayed.

Exhibitions 2020 / 2021

21-03-2021 – 01-02-2022
#MYOWNGENDER ‘under construction’
@ Hogeschool van Amsterdam

During this preview at the HVA, Sevilay is developing the interactive layer and the educational program of the project.

09-12-2020 / 21-03 2021
#MYOWNGENDER ‘under construction’
@ NIEUW DAKOTA

At the end of a turbulent year, Nieuw Dakota celebrates its tenth anniversary. We look back and ahead with a special anniversary programme and collaboration with artists and partner BeamSystems/BeamLab. A selection of videos, installations and performances offer a poetic and stilled view of a tilting world. Nieuw Dakota moves walls, makes space, shifts mountains and engages people.  Through art we are able to explore ourselves, eachother and the world.

Starring: Martha Atienza, Vincent Boschma, Henk Schut, MYOWNGENDER and Irina Birger

17-07-2020 / 20-09-2020
#MYOWNGENDER ‘under construction’
@ OBA expo hall
During this preview at the OBA, #MYOWNGENDER is still ‘under construction’ and in the progress of defining itself. Sevilay Maria will be both exhibiting the still continuously evolving art installation of #MYOWNGENDER, as well as publicly developing the interactive layer and the educational program of the project.