To Survive on this Shore, 2013-2017

Extent:

1.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

Physical description:

The photographs are Archival Pigment Prints on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Pearl paper (320 gsm, 100 percent cotton, natural white, pearl-finish). They were produced on an Epson 3880 inkjet printer using UltraChrome K3 ink.

Scope and content:

These 40 color portraits were created as part of an interdisciplinary project titled "To Survive on this Shore: Photographs and Interviews with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Older Adults," by Jess T. Dugan, photographer, and Vanessa Fabbre, PhD, LCSW, a social worker and Assistant Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, whose research focuses on the intersection of LGBTQ issues and aging. Subjects are single individuals as well as couples, chiefly in outdoor settings. All images measure roughly 15 x 20 inches. For this work, Jess Dugan received a 2017 Archive of Documentary Arts Award.

A selection of these photographs was exhibited at the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library's photograph gallery from February 23-June 2, 2019.

From the artist's statement: "Our society is experiencing a breakthrough moment with respect to transgender issues. From Amazon's series 'Transparent,' winning Golden Globe and Emmy awards, to Caitlyn Jenner's highly publicized transition, transgender issues are getting mainstream exposure in an unprecedented way. However, it is essential to continue educating ourselves and others about the challenges faced by the transgender community and to resist Hollywood-dominated narratives about trans experiences. We believe that the time is right to make this work on a national scale and that society is ready to receive it more than at any other time in history. Ultimately, it is our intention to provide visibility to a community that is often overlooked, both because of their age as well as their gender, and to encourage empathy, understanding, and dialogue."

Physical facet:

40 prints

Contents

Using These Materials