ARTIST BIO
>>> RIVER REDWOOD (HE/HIM)
River Redwood is a visual artist residing in Chicago, IL. River’s work deals with aspects of divine spiritual connection, exploration of identity as a transgender induvial, and restructuring narratives. River uses self-portraiture to construct new identities based on mythology and art history. Drawing influence from his Celtic heritage, historical accounts of gender nonconforming people, and artwork from the Renaissance, River creates new worlds. Blending these influences with his lived experience, River transcends traditional gender roles and expose the interconnectedness of all life.
River is currently pursuing a master’s degree in digital photography at Columbia College in Chicago IL and will graduate in 2026. River received his BFA in digital photography from Arizona State University in 2024. River has won awards for his work “Sunset Buck” from 500px, and an Honorable mention from the Pasadena Photographic Society for “Borrowed Water”.
RIVER’S FIRST SELF-PORTRAITS
SUMMER 1998, TEN YEARS OLD,
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is about reclaiming the sacred place that transgender people have held in cultural societies for thousands of years. In these societies transgender people were respected, cherished, trusted, and admired because of the duality of their/our souls. The title we wear differs from culture to culture, but our critical position as a spiritual conduit remains the same.
In my work I explore what it’s like to be a spiritual conduit in a society that seeks to erase me. I visualize what it means to be a transgender person surviving under the crushing weight of social and political violence. I reclaim the Gods of my ancestors, speak their names into this century, and embody their multidimensionality and power. I examine what it feels like to fulfill my duty as a spiritual conduit in a way that honors my transgender ancestors.
My work invites the viewer to confront expectations. A bridge between genders provides an opportunity for the viewer to ask themselves what boundaries should be flexible. The current political landscape threatens transgender genocide. To this, I am a warrior bravely standing naked daring them to justify their hatred.