Being Barbara

In my portrait series "Being Barbara", I use the example of my life partner Bernhard, who is sometimes also Barbara, to show the complex structure of gender as a fluid and diverse spectrum.

The series challenges the restrictive boundaries of traditional gender norms and invites the viewer to reflect on the idea that gender is not a binary construct, but a constantly evolving and personal experience.

Ten years ago, I met Barbara in a nightclub. Fascinated by her, I immediately wanted to photograph her for a project. In the process, I got to know and - fell in love wirth - her alter ego, the science fiction author and comedian Bernhard Kempen. A few projects later, Barbara was my favorite model and Bernhard my husband.

"Being Barbara" ["Ich bin dann mal Barbara"] was originally the title of Bernhard's comedy show, which didn't survive the pandemic. With the Bernhard/Barbara series, we hope to make a small contribution to a broader cultural discussion that honors diversity and affirms everyone's right to define their own identity.