Thoamada II (2012-13)

8 photographic diptychs, 180 x 60 cm each
a photo book
view Thoamada II book

This project furthers my interest in the stories and visibility of Cambodian LGBTIQs. After Thoamada (2011), a project with gay and bisexual men, I expand to investigate family notions among LGBTIQs. The photographic portraits result from conversations with families of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people that I met. Each diptych belongs to one family.

In one group portrait, the family members decide on their own arrangements and positioning, which helps me understand how they want to be represented. The other picture is a re-enactment of a memory important to them, which we stage in collaboration.

The photo book resulting from the project includes excerpts from the conversations and essays by two queer artists and writers reflecting on how non-heteronormative families navigate politics of visibility and identity in contemporary Cambodia.