beside the water, 1999-2004
Queer artist Finn Paul tells the story of transgender sexual awakening in this provocative video essay that looks back at the early 2000s, when transgender lives were less visible. He energetically combines both history and photographs of lovers to create a personal story of sexual discovery. Real and imaginary events blend in a mix of erotic snapshots, found footage, home videos, postcards and desert landscapes. At the same time, he criticizes the misconceptions about queer people that existed at the time.
Finn Paul not only delves into his own personal collection, but also creates new, imagined images. In this way, he proposes alternative ways to bring a trans-past to the surface of his memory. This unconventional video diary rewrites the past to herald a queer future, with a place for pleasure, sincerity and beauty.