HERstory - Lili Elbe
This photo shoot in Krems is based on the idea of making historical women visible. Each student brings a historical personality “to life”, and I chose Einar Wegener, alias Lilie Elbe
- one of the first Transgender Women.
The process of self-realization and acceptance is documented in this series of 10 Photographs.
Model: Maria Görg
Year: 2024
Genre: Portrait
Einar Wegener
Einar in his everyday appearance. He found his passion in painting and received a lot of encouragement for it.
Despite all the encouragement and success, Einar never considered himself completely happy, as if he was constantly missing something unattainable.
In the 19th century, social values were different, which is why Einar usually only dared to dream.
You may wonder what or whom he was dreaming about…
When he closed his eyes, his thoughts took her shape -
Lili Elbe
Lili had to live with a lot of fear. Fear of social exclusion, of being diagnosed as “crazy”.
Even though the danger was great, she didn't hide behind Einar's façade for long.
She was happiest when she presented herself in her true identity
- a woman.
Lili passed away on September 12, 1931. She suffered of consequences of her fourth sex reassignment surgery, which had hardly been researched at the time.
Nevertheless, she is still a significant figure in the history of transgender and LGBTQ+ community today.
Magnetic forces
Fashion Shooting