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Beauty Beyond Gender – Works by Thomas Evans
Beauty Beyond Gender
Works by Thomas Evans
November 3-15, 2024
This exhibit is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound beauty that arises when we honor our true selves. Embracing the freedom to express oneself requires immense courage. Thomas’s art honors that transformative journey. All the subjects in this project have bravely challenged traditional norms; embracing the fluidity of their identities and the full spectrum of human expression.
The visuals unfold in three phases: Curiosity, Cost, and Couture. First, you will view Curiosity; without curiosity there would only be conformity. Next in the exhibit comes Cost; for those who are brave enough to be curious, there is often a violent price to pay. Finally, you will reach Couture; a state only reached through truth, authenticity, and joy.
Exhibit Dates: November 3-15, 2024
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 3, 2024 2-4PM
Gallery Hours (Starting on November 4):
Monday – Friday: 10AM-4PM
Saturday, November 9: 10AM-4PM
About Thomas Evans
“In his art, Thomas has no fear,” wrote Christopher Harrity of Advocate Magazine. “His camera is an open door to the world.”
In other words? Thomas Evans is fearless, and from the moment he was gifted with a camera, he has used his platform to empower others to be the same. His camera was a catalyst for his own personal transformation. The world opened widely for Evans once he learned that he could be far more creative behind the lens than in front of it. His “less-than-usual,” gender-fluid style is a challenge to both his subjects and his patrons, walking the delicate line between play and provocation, masculine and feminine, class and glamour. Simply put, his portfolio is an exposition and celebration of the authentic self.
Beginning with just raw talent and a natural sense of lighting and composition, Evans worked to hone his distinctive style through his study at the International Center for Photography, where he took an interest in photoshop, color correcting and image processing. Photographers Mike Ruiz and Patrick McMullan would serve as great inspiration during his creative development, and later become mentors. He would later work with McMullan at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, becoming a staple photographer for the event during his developing years.
It didn’t take long for print outlets to take notice of Evans’ eye-catching work. His keen ability to identify the photographic needs of publishers and advertisers proved lucrative, and has led to features in Vogue, The Advocate, Go, People, Paper, Harper’s Bazaar, Next, A&U, Dark Beauty and Out Magazine. Like his spirit, his abilities are multifaceted. His innate artistic vision has helped him build and manage celebrated brands, direct music videos, and cultivate shows using
Thomas’s diverse accomplishments have allowed him to represent the scene he cares most about - his own. He has become a critically acclaimed photographer in the vibrant arts and LGBTQ+ community in New York City. He is the photographer of choice for internationally acclaimed drag queens including Alaska, Raven, Bianca De Rio, Aja and Shanglea (to name a few). Evans shot Rodrigo Alves, now Jessica Alves, for his wildly successful campaign called Femme the Man. The series, aimed at breaking down society’s prescribed labels of masculinity and femininity, quickly caught fire and was featured on prominent German television networks. In order to further its impact, Evans led a masterclass for the photography students of Central Connecticut State University, guiding them through a day on set for Femme the Man, and teaching them about the transformative power of photography.
Evans feels a philanthropic responsibility not only to the community of budding photographers, but to the world at large. In his crusade to fight shame, he works as Creative Director for Health Care Advocates International, an organization that fights stigma and discrimination within the HIV and LGBTQ community. After aiding nearly 2,000 people from the rural villages of Zimbabwe in being tested and educated about HIV, he co-created, alongside Dr. Gary Blick, the multi-media campaign called “HIV Equal,” now called Stigma Warriors.
In his art, Thomas is a pioneer, guiding our divisive world toward the vision of the one in his lens; a world of acceptance, tolerance, love and equality.