Beyond Gender / beyond queer >>
Beyond Gender [ working title ] is a project that seeks to celebrate the LGBTQIA community, to cast a generous light over its members, and to further my own understanding of a community I have lived with for over 20 years. The project is live and constantly evolving, so a definite “artist statement” will not be viable until its completion. For the moment I seem to be welcoming young members of the community, a generation that is filling the space so hard fought for by previous generations. Youth that has the freedom to question, to experiment and to hopefully thrive, but this journey is not without its pitfalls, prejudices and hurdles, even in this day and age. Below are some examples of the project so far as well as a few testimonials from people that have so generously shared their time and stories with me.
“Tobias! Your work is so beautiful!
It brings me such joy seeing these photos and reading their experiences with you. I certainly wish I was closer so I could make the time to take part in this project; What an honor. But to see such beauty in diversity is something which reminds me of a time when I was in a bookstore many years ago in downtown Portland. I saw a photo journal of trans elders which changed my life. Recognizing the joy they felt and comfort in their demeanor, I knew that I shared something special with them, and cried reading about their challenges and lives. Your photos gave me that same feeling. I realize that if my younger self had seen these photos—it would have inspired me to be free, to be authentically me …just like that photo journal, and that is such a special and beautiful connection and feeling. Thank you again for sharing this with me.
These portraits are amazing.”
– Jasper Portland USA
‘Hearing about this project was so heartwarming and an honor to be a part of the series. I feel the deep responsibility and purpose to take up the opportunity to represent my non binary and queer identity as a south Asian person deeply passionate about both my Punjabi & queer identity.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Tobias’ x
-Sirisha
“Shooting with Tobias for his Beyond Gender series was a brilliant experience. The session was well time-managed and wonderfully relaxed. It was a treat to watch him negotiate with light and shadow in his photo-making process, and I felt genuinely encouraged to bring my own artistic practice and personality to the shoot. The photos are divine. I’d highly recommend taking part to anyone wanting to explore their own identity through portraiture!”
— Frank K
“Had the privilege of shooting with Tobias for their “Beyond Gender” project celebrating members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As someone who’s modeling experience is limited when it comes to photography it was wonderful to work with someone so patient, communicative and passionate. Thank you and I hope we can work together again soon!”
— Arran
“Tobias made me feel so comfortable and welcome at his little studio in Hove. We played music and chatted lots and I really feel like he took care to get to know me and to capture me. He’s looking for some folks to photograph in Brighton as part of a portrait photography project, send him a message if you’re interested “
Tommy
“The chance to work with you was so interesting, as I’ve never been photographed before, let alone had an opportunity to express why queerness means so much, which I feel this project perfectly captures. I was immediately put at ease when in front of the camera, and the experience has lifted my confidence in ways I didn’t know needed to be. If the opportunity comes to work again I would definitely be interested!.”
— Erin
Tobias immediately put me at ease. He was respectful and relaxed, making me feel comfortable from start to finish. He wants to do right by his subjects, learning with and from them, rather than merely to be a tourist to their un-conventionalism. His willingness to become educated in topics he has little personal tie to, but knows are important to find connection with, is commendable, and I hope others of his demographic take inspiration from him through his work. He made me feel like an active member in the creation of the portraits.
Artist Mock Up of potential show
Want to take part? I would be happy to invite you to the studio.
The project seeks to celebrate these brave people that have helped pioneer and revolutionise how we see ourselves! If only by raising questions about identity, gender and sexuality.
The project is developing an aesthetic style and the final images will be in black and white.
BUT I want to encourage sitters to present themselves to the camera as they wish, to allow their personality to come through and to use their bodies and physicality to identify as they wish.
The images will be made in a small studio in Brighton with a trusted team of people and each sitter will receive a portfolio of 6 images by way of thank you and payment for their time.
If this is something that might be of interest to you please, please drop me a message.
I would love to hear from you.