Thibault Stipal

“By definition, androgynous refers to people whose appearance conceals their gender. The term is also used by people who don’t identify with feminine or masculine types, despite their physical appearance. This has fascinated philosophers, writers and sociologists since Antiquity. 
People have a tendency to mistakenly associate androgynous with homosexual or transsexual tendencies. Androgynous people tend to fascinate, because they disturb. They attract and repulse at the same time. They are troublesome. Nothing extraordinary. Almost normal people. A slight difference, a small difference in social codes. In literature, the androgynous are at the same time represented as evil and perfect, two extreme yet exciting interpretations. In 19th century literature, the androgynous figure appears frequently, but as a morbid, even satanic figure. For Honoré de Balzac, he is perfect, with magic and religious powers linked to both genders. I like to think the androgynous individual is strong. Strong in reacting to the critical stares and comments of others. The people photographed are comfortable with themselves, they have the power to please who they want and destabilize others. Their simple existence is provocative. Assumed, this ambiguity becomes a marvelous natural strength. They recognize their double sensitivity, the man assumes his femininity, and the woman her masculinity. 
I think the day will come when we won’t be able to differentiate between men and women. The androgynous will have been precursors. 
The men and women I photographed love the fantasy I projected on them. I loved the reality they offered me.”
Thibault Stipal