the three sisters
“the three sisters” - hand-painted jacket
When James Pradier first sculpted “Les Trois Graces” in 1831, I’m sure he didn’t expect for it to be reimagined featuring trans women. And yet, a few years ago, the image of this sculpture as three trans women blew up on Reddit; and for good reason. People were inspired by the idea of seeing trans people on display in a way usually only cis people are encouraged. So when I saw this photo, I knew I had to paint it.
“Les Trois Graces” were originally inspired by the Greek story of the three Charities or Three Graces – Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thalia. These women were daughters of Zeus said to represent mirth (amusement), youth/beauty, and festivity, respectively. These goddesses were then tasked with filling the world with joy and pleasant times to uplift humanity. I think transfeminity embodies these values.
Like Euphrosyne, trans women have been crucial in the development and celebration of art and culture all around the world. Trans women have been innovators and leaders, though not always given the platforms to be celebrated for those efforts.
Like Aglaea, trans women define beauty and the “glow of good health”. Despite being one of the most marginalized demographics, trans women still come out and radiate beauty. It is seen in their strength; in their commitment to be their true selves; in their sense of womanhood. In reality, the health and safety of trans women defines the health of the rest of humanity, so protecting and uplifting our trans sisters makes us all stronger.
Like Thalia, trans women uphold joy and abundance in a world that often tries to take that away. Thalia herself appeared in the lives of mortals, guiding them and encouraging them to create things that they love. She encouraged people to keep going, to continue to flourish. As such, trans culture should be one of celebration and visibility. We are often told we are doing too much–or we are too much–so to persevere with the things we love despite the blocks set in our way–that is trans joy; and it should be abundant.
Trans women deserve to flourish. They deserve that joy.
And that is pretty much the thesis of the art that I make: to celebrate trans beauty and joy. I want to implore people to see beyond the struggle, to see beyond the expectations of beauty placed on all of us, and to uplift differences without othering us.
Transfemininity IS joy. It is beauty. It is festivity.
Transfemininity is art.
