Contemporary Queer Photography – SMITH • History of Queer Photography

SMITH’s work “Sublimis” and “Löyly” delve into themes of absence, presence, and the fluidity of identity, particularly focusing on gender and androgyny. Smith’s “Löyly,” published in 2013, draws its name from a Finnish term that describes the steam rising from water poured on hot stones, symbolizing transformation and the ethereal. This series, along with “Sublimis,” explores the constant changes individuals undergo, particularly in relation to gender and identity.

Smith’s photography often features young adults in melancholic and introspective poses, set against quiet, moody landscapes. These images evoke a sense of both physical and emotional transformation, capturing moments of introspection and the unseen aspects of human experience.