ECDYSIS

ec·dy·sis : the process of shedding the old skin (in reptiles) or casting off the outer cuticle (in insects and other arthropods).

When you feel as if your body isn’t how it should be, transitioning can feel much like shedding your old skin in favour of a new one, and those ideas of rebirth and self-expression are the main themes of these portraits.

Ecdysis is a portrait series by Winston S Lewis that explores the relationship transgender people have with their bodies and their convoluted connection with insects.

Suspension [Extatosoma Tiaratum]

Insects are often seen as unnatural by humanity, having a different biology and an unusual appearance when compared to much-loved vertebrates. Many queer people gravitate towards arthropods as an interest and muse due to their experiences with both themselves and others, leaving them feeling as if they, too, are insignificant creations. Much like insects, we are natural, we are real, and even if we are unsightly to some, our lives are still significant.