Transforming the concept of beauty

There is happiness in their eyes, hope in their smile, and confidence beams with each pose. The eight bold photographs featuring three Malayali transgender models - Sheetal, Deepthi, and Sonu - clicked by the noted photographer Harikrishnan, have an untold story to narrate to every spectator. You may be familiar with photographs depicting the beauty of male and female models. But, most of you may not have seen how stunning a third gender could be.

‘Trans, a transformation for life’, a photography exhibition happening at Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi, shows the beautiful side of transgender. Each photograph reflects their emotions, life, and what they want to say to the world. Executing this project was no cakewalk for Harikrishnan. His first encounter with transgenders occurred a few years ago in Chennai when he visited their place with his doctor-friend Aiswarya Rao, a social worker. Those days had taught him the plight of these people and it lied dormant in his mind.

Later, this idea resurfaced in his mind. “I had a visual in my mind but didn’t know how to proceed. I discussed this idea with my friend Santhosh, who introduced me to two people. That was the beginning. But, I had no idea how to brief them about my project. First, I met Sheetal. It was through her I reached a few others,” recalls Harikrishnan. “When I told them about my project, their first question was ‘why do you want to do this?’. They wanted to know how it would benefit them. I had to convince them. And, it was only after getting a clear picture of the project that they said yes,” he adds.

One day, they set up the studio and the shoot was completed in three hours. “Throughout the shoot, I maintained their comfort level. But prior to that I had to spend a lot of time finalising ideas and drawing sketches,” he says. Hari has used imageries to portray their life. For instance, in one image, the model holds a mirror and the viewer could see oneself in it. It is aptly titled ‘Mirroring you and me. Am in you, you are in me’. Another model carried an open nest, which shows freedom.

“The photo in which two models hold hands was inspired by the famous painting ‘The Two Fridas’,” says Hari who has used bright hues to brighten up pictures. The show was inaugurated by film director Martin Prakkat and Miss South India Alieena Catherine Amon on Monday. The models feel that this move will bring them a new face. They may have walked through rough patches in life, but when you look at those images, you would feel that experiences have moulded them into becoming bold and beautiful.

“Usually, people don’t call us for photo shoots. When Hari chettan discussed this idea with me, I was really happy. It is a new step from his side and a platform for us. I am lucky to be a part of this exhibition,” says Sheetal, a model from Thrissur. “There are female-turned-male models and vice-versa. This is my first photo shoot and I was very happy with the experience. I had no qualms in posing for the shots. I know about my body and I believe, the body is one’s own,” she adds.

Deepthi concurs. “Initially, I had no idea how it would come out. Hari chettan and Sheethal encouraged me to do it,” she says. It is her second venture. And they all hope that ‘Trans’ would take a small step in transforming society’s attitude towards the third gender. “Their plight is more or less the same. Change is coming. I believe my venture will add to it,” concludes Hari.