of what might yet (have) be(en)

of what might yet (have) be(en) is the culmination of three interrelated bodies of work over the past twelve years by Lois Bielefeld, RIT College of Art and Design, Photographic Illustration, BFA 2002. 

From 2013-2014, Lois photographed 57 individuals for the series, Androgyny, which explored the power and complexity of gender identity through photographic portraits, short films, and a large-scale installation of a non-functioning public restroom that played audio interviews from the portrait participants. The work challenged social constructions of gender while celebrating gender expression and fluidity.

In the past ten years, there has been an immense shift in the conversation surrounding gender, including heartening progress and troubling setbacks as gender identity continues to be a politically charged and contested space. After a decade passed, Lois wanted to reconnect with their participants to interview and photograph them again, and to hear about each person's ever-emerging identities. The consensus among participants is that while immense progress has been made, it is now being eroded through fearmongering and targeted legislation and policy in unprecedented ways. In this moment of fear and uncertainty, questions of visibility and safety are at the forefront. Given the current political climate, it is critical to support and protect trans and gender nonconforming individuals. of what might yet (have) be(en) seeks to stake a claim for difference while simultaneously asserting belonging.

*The title of what might yet (have) be(en) is a sentence fragment pulled from Karen Barad’s Transmaterialities: Trans*/Matter/Realities and Queer Political Imaginings.  

Thank you to our exhibition sponsors:

• Rubens Family Foundation 
• RIT College of Art and Design, School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
• RIT Division of Access, Engagement and Success
• RIT Archives 
• RIT College of Liberal Arts, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Program
• RIT Image Services Lab
• RIT Command+g Design Lab 
• Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Mary L. Nohl Suitcase Export Fund