“The Body Images” is a project that I have orchestrated as my senior capstone project for my studio art major here at Fairfield. It is a very personal project; not only for me, but also for each person that became a part of it. When I started this process six months ago, I had no idea that I would meet such beautiful people, with such inspiring and truly life-changing stories.
The first portion of my project, which is currently being exhibited in the Lukacs Gallery in Loyola Hall, consists of 16 black and white portraits, two for each of my eight models. Each of my models has dealt with disordered eating or an eating disorder at some point in her life. Prior to photographing each woman, I had a conversation with her. I wanted each individual to feel her most confident and most beautiful, so the photography process was a really collaborative one.
The second part of my project is a video, which can be seen in the Experimental Gallery, also in Loyola. The video contains excerpts from an interview of a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating and weight disorders. It then features my models telling their stories, and discussing their experiences with this project. This was the most powerful part of the project for me. I was truly humbled by the strength of these women, and their willingness to share their stories with such openness.
“The Body Images” centers around self-love, self-confidence, and self-acceptance. Not only do I hope that through this project I can increase awareness of eating disorders, but I also hope that this project can be a part of the healing process both for its participants and its audience.
The opening reception for “The Body Images” is taking place on Tuesday, November 29, from 5- 7 pm in the Lukacs and Experimental Galleries in Loyola Hall at Fairfield University. All are welcome! The exhibition will be open from November 28 to December 9, Monday, Wed- Fri 10 am – 1 pm, and Tuesday 10 am – 4:30 pm.
For more information on eating disorders, please visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org