Large nudes [abstract]

Abstract

I started my large nude series to challenge conventional media-driven standards of beauty and show that the large body is also beautiful. The work falls into two distinct areas: in one set, my self-portraits are abstract details of the abundantly fleshy body; in the other, my self-portraits include more of my personal identity, creating a more contemplative, and complete, picture of my body. ... My original intent in this figure study was to challenge media-driven standards of beauty by showing an overweight body as being beautiful; I have since realized I need to challenge my own standards first to allow myself to feel beautiful. I photograph my own body, daring myself to feel comfortable with other people viewing me as well as really looking at myself. I am forcing myself to become the observer, as well as the observed. I have begun to feel more at home in my body, able to see it as simultaneously terrifying and beautiful.