Publication Date

Spring 2026

Document Type

Photograph

First Advisor

Luehrs, Amy

Degree Name

B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

Department

School of Art and Design

Abstract

Alex Relaz’s work primarily focuses on nature and his relationship to it. Changes are constantly exhibited in nature, and the same can be said for people, no matter who they are. As Alex grew up, he soon found that he was different from his peers. He was teased by his classmates, and after formally coming out as transgender, he was ostracized by the authoritative figures from his former life. Some years later, he turned to photography as a way to capture his love for the natural world. After enrolling at Northern Illinois University and studying the art form more closely, he turned to it as the outlet for self-expression that he was denied in his childhood. Growing up in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, he was ridiculed and emotionally isolated from others. Before he started his social transition, he would think about what he would ask his future self. Now, as he looks back, he ponders how he would answer.

Through indirect self-portraiture, Alex captures his mental state at given moments during his transition. Each title in the series is a question or answer in his thought experiment. With this series, he hopes to repair his relationship with the little girl he used to despise. He uses his longtime love of nature to convey themes of isolation, depression, and the road to self-acceptance. Frigid, snow-covered winter days of hiding his identity give way to the warmth and greenery of spring. Blooming flower buds and new life represent his newfound happiness and self-worth. His is a story that many experience, but don’t often hear about. It truly does get better.

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