Smiles Meyer reimagines “the Last Supper” with trans models
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Smiles Meyer, a trans photographer and musician based in Los Angeles, recreated Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in 2024 using trans models for a project called “The First Gathering.”
Meyer joins other queer and trans artists who use religious imagery to represent queer identities. They began this work after experiencing creative difficulties with writing following a period of depression and starting antidepressant medication around age 18.
Meyer shifted from poetry to photography in 2018, initially creating collages from their photos before deciding to preserve entire images. Their art explores themes of gender identity and divinity, drawing inspiration from Judith Butler’s writing on creation and power. Meyer views divinity not as something external, but as an inherent quality within all people. The series builds on Meyer’s prior projects focused on religious trauma and celebrating gender.
Meyer’s work aims to transform both creative expression and personal experience, reflecting a belief in art as a divine act.
