Curators: Rafael Soldi, Paolo Morales & Elle Perez

Photographic works by: Daniel Aguirre, Carl Bower, Caleb Cole, Nicolas Djandji, Jason Hanasik, Jamil Hellu, Monique Bergen Henegouwen, Kate Hutchinson, Katie Koti, Diane Russo, J. Aiden Simon, Sarah Sudhoff, and Molly Landreth + Amelia Tovey

Farmani Gallery is proud to present Select Gender, introducing fourteen rising photographers communicating their contemporary viewpoint within fine art photography. The exhibition, co-curated by budding artists Rafael Soldi, Paolo Morales and Elle Perez, will present a diverse selection of innovative artworks that focus on the theme of gender perceptions and the role of sexual assignments in America and abroad. This exhibition embraces the mission of the gallery and the curators in their support of promising talent and our hopes to further a conversation through photographic works of present-day subject matter.

Select Gender revolves around the themes of gender-based identity, self-awareness and gender-specific culture. Whether they are discussing their own identity or that of others, this diverse group of emerging photographers shows us different aspects and interpretations of perceived gender roles. The juxtapositions of gender queer, hyper masculinities, and ambiguous representations force the viewer to question his or her own perceptions and the legitimacy of a gender binary. Ultimately the goal of Select Gender is not to expose, shock, or titillate, but to offer reflection on the constructs and wide range of possibilities for gender expression.

Rafael Soldi is a Peruvian born, New York based photographer. He holds a degree in Photography and Curatorial Studies from the Maryland Institute College of Art. His work has been shown in NY with Humble Arts Foundation and Daniel Cooney Fine Art, Conner Contemporary Art in Washington D.C. as well as in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Baltimore.

Paolo Morales has studied at the Art Institute of Boston, International Center of Photography, San Francisco Art Institute and School of Visual Arts. His work has been exhibited in New York and Boston. He is a curator of Gallery South at the Art Institute of Boston.

Elle Perez is a photographer currently based in Baltimore, MD. She has studied Photography and Gender Studies and she has exhibited in Maryland and New York. Perez is the director of the Wlgus Gallery at the Maryland Institute College of Art.