Loving You: MaryV’s Documentation of Transitioning Bodies Through Photography

Entering the walls of Union Hall, you meet a room with walls painted black and projected images against them. Seats face the walls as images are projected simultaneously. One documents the transition of MaryV’s partner, Chella Man. The other showcases images of Kia Lopez, MaryV’s childhood friend. 

MaryV is a photographer, her work mainly highlighting personal moments. There’s a large focus on subjects such as intimacy and the beauty of bodies. She captures vulnerable moments for others with compassion. MaryV showcases images that feature both pain and virtue. 

Loving You features the transition of Chella Man. The audience gets to see the moments of Chella’s recovery from top surgery. Throughout images such as those, Loving You also displays moments of ease with glimpses of MaryV’s and Chella’s relationship.

MaryV states: “As a photographer, I am constantly trying to find the balance of where and how I can share my images so that they are viewed with understanding. I want the viewer to see them with a sensitive gaze. This is the only gaze that is acceptable to me. My hope is that this gaze can then be taken from the gallery into the real world. I want this gaze to be present when seeing trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people. If you absorb anything from viewing my work, please consider the invitation and opportunity to participate in continued conversations about seeing people, especially those in the queer community, through a sensitive gaze.”

Feelings of ebullience, sympathy, and pain all transpire across observing the journey of Chella Man.

Violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals has been an ongoing issue. The first few months of 2021 have been met with 27 murders of trans individuals, them explains. Many cases that can be classified as anti-trans murders often are misclassified. Due to the misgendering and deadnaming of victims, the number of anti-trans fatal incidents lacks a solid imprint due to misinformation, and could be much higher. 

Through Loving You, MaryV opens up such intimate moments to the world. She asks those who are viewing the exhibit to “come in with an open mind and heart, and hopefully absorb something they didn’t think about before, or more love and respect to the community and themselves.”

The second projection of images focuses on Kia Lopez.

When viewing Kia’s story through the photographs, one cannot help but feel empowered and like a badass. She works as a dominatrix and describes herself as a “diva ready to shut anything down.” Some of the photographs taken of Kia feature her getting ready to perform in Denver, while others showcase her working.

What came up for you when seeing the photos in the Union Hall exhibition space?
The biggest thing that came up for me was seeing my growth, and I worked my ass off to be who I am. I never gave up on myself. 

Being a trans woman, how can your experience influence or help others?
I have been through a lot especially being a sex worker and being put in a box of what most trans people do, but I will always remember, this was made for me; this is who I am; this is my calling. I would not be truly happy if I was working a 9-to-5 not being true to myself. I am glad I have not let any judgments affect who I am and how I have lived my truth. 

What do you want someone who sees the work of you to experience?
I want them to experience that all beauty is valid, and the walk of life is beautiful. 

How do you feel about your personal experiences being translated into photographs?
It’s so natural to me, I would say; I feel I am doing something positive to show people that no matter who I am or what I have been through, I can still create beautiful art. 

Loving You gives a glimpse into moments only few will experience. It allows for the audience to sit back and simply watch the progression of the lives of both Chella and Kia. Within the stillness of sitting and observing, the wave of emotion causes ripples throughout the water.

MaryV’s Loving You can be viewed now until the beginning of July. The art installation is free; one just needs to make a reservation. Keep in mind the sensitivity of the images, which include content such as nudity and mature depictions. Information and gifts from various, queer organizations are made available at the exhibit, as well.

“Knowing who you are as a person will make you shine brighter than anyone. Self-love is a hard thing, but once you master it, you will be at peace,” says Lopez.