Euphoria Portraits by Sofie Hecht

“We're spread out like stars, and though you might not see each other during the day, you can shine on knowing there are whole galaxies of us out there.” – Melina Baron-Deutsch

This project was born from Albuquerque artist and organizer Melina Baron-Deutsch’s idea to create a constellation of photographs of trans and non-binary friends all over the world who would contribute photographs of themselves nude, posing with succulents, to be printed as a 2018 calendar to benefit the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM). The third iteration of this project is presented below, originally printed as a 2020 calendar to benefit TGRCNM featuring models Melina knew and gathered to participate. The photographs were also made in collaboration with Bagels Florals, a local queer-owned floral shop who designed floral pieces to accentuate each model’s gender expression and identity.

These portraits are as much about the process of image-making as they are about the (finished) photographs themselves. To make each portrait, the models were asked for their ideas for the shoot, how they wanted to be represented, what parts of their bodies they liked, which angles made them uncomfortable, what “resilience” meant to them, what colors they enjoyed. These images were made with care for each model’s goals for representation and empowerment, celebrating euphoric and unapologetic gender expression.

The original form this project took, that of a calendar, allowed nude trans bodies to access many domestic spaces, gave them the prominence and status of a fine art print hung on the wall, the power to keep time, hold memories and look towards the future, and a quotidian place in the home. May these photographs continue to carve out spaces that uphold the resilience and beauty of trans and non-binary people in New Mexico.

Sofie Hecht lives and works in Albuquerque, NM, USA.
To view more of Sofie’s work, please visit her website or find her on Instagram @sofiehext