Love Unknown to Humans

Using photography as a medium, Lo Suet Po delved into the transgender community, conducting three years of fieldwork and accumulating thousands of images. Some of these images were eventually selected to form this photobook, which integrates fieldwork, social observation, and artistic creation. The work is not merely a documentary or portraiture but a process of re-depicting individual realities: participants explore gender performance, identity construction, and the complexities of intersectionality both in front of and behind the camera. From the gender dysphoria of transgender individuals to the struggles of disabled bodies, the images reveal how mainstream society suppresses marginalized bodies with a singular model, while also showcasing individuals' struggles and constructions in their attempts to become more authentic selves amidst desires and societal expectations.

The book presents the creative process in an "archive" format, serving as both a visual narrative and a testament to two years of understanding and practice. Lo Suet Po invites readers to consider: Is the trauma of marginalized communities an eternal cycle of mainstream society? Can we cross identity barriers, listen, understand, and support each other? This is a journey of understanding, and a life note that reminds us, "I see your trauma."

About the Author

Lo Suet Po Kathleen

Lo Suet Po, herself a disabled individual, entered the transgender community, learning about the lived experiences of marginalized bodies and diverse identities through her camera. She focuses on the essence of portraiture, exploring how mainstream perspectives shape and interpret "others," while also reflecting on the role of art in trauma healing and identity formation. In her three-year photography publishing project, she engaged in dialogue with participants both in front of and behind the camera, building bridges of understanding and connection.

Her work combines photographic art, fieldwork, and social observation, showcasing the diverse facets of marginalized communities in their gender exploration and identity construction. Lo Suet Po believes that no matter where they stand, every individual is undergoing a process of life construction, and art is a possible path to cross barriers and achieve mutual understanding.