Not Prince Charming's Type- A photo series
Warning this series deals with semi-nudity and triggers issues like fatphobia and body dysmorphia. Please also keep in mind to respect my privacy and do not take screenshots or share them as a separate entity, this series is meant only to be part of my portfolio and nothing else.
As someone who has struggled with body dysmorphia and self-hate, I was deeply inspired by Carrie Mae Weems's work "Not Manet's Type" and the way it addresses related themes. I knew I wanted to create my own series that would explore the same issues from my own perspective.
I chose to use props such as almonds, anxiety meds, aroma therapy oils, weighing scale candles, and books to create a visual representation of my struggles. Each item was carefully chosen to reflect the messages I received growing up about the importance of being thin to be healthy.
I chose to incorporate Disney characters in my poetry as Disney played a big role in shaping my self-image. As a child, I dreamed of working for the company, but over time, I began to notice the negative portrayal of fat people in their films, especially the depiction of women as villains. While I pursued a career in design, my love for Disney was tempered by the knowledge that their past had contributed to my own trauma and body dysmorphia.
Through this photography series, I hope to start a conversation about fatphobia and the need for a more inclusive representation of all body types in media. My personal narrative is just one example of how damaging negative portrayals of fat people can be, and I believe it's important to shed light on these issues in order to create a more positive and accepting society.
About Not Manet's Type by Carrie Mae Weems
"Not Manet's Type" is a powerful series of five photographs that delve into the complex beauty standards imposed on women while also exploring themes of self-hate. As a viewer, you're drawn into an intimate space that feels like a peek into someone's private world. The use of lighting in each photo adds an element of movement, and the props chosen for each scene provide glimpses into the woman's story.
Through the accompanying text, the artist calls into question the beauty standards set by well-known artists, particularly their lack of representation of black women. She highlights the troubling history of black women being portrayed only as servants or sexual objects, while white women were celebrated as objects of beauty. The work of Manet, Picasso, and Duchamp is called out specifically for their problematic representation of black women.
The series prompts us to examine our own identity and how we view ourselves in the context of the world around us. While it speaks directly to the experiences of black women, the message is universal, inviting us all to question the beauty standards that women are forced to navigate in order to find their place in society. It's a powerful and thought-provoking work that challenges us to look beyond the surface and question the systems that shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.