In 1974, photographer Abigail Heyman released a series called, “Growing Up Female.” In this series, women were shown in different scenarios that aren’t typical to main media’s depiction. One picture that stuck out to me was entitled “Stripper”, which shows a nude women lying with her legs spread while accompanied by a male audience. This is interesting because although women are constantly scrutinized and objectified, the idea of a woman utilizing her sexuality for her own profit and gain is often looked down upon. 

Liora K is another photographer whose 2012 work, “The Feminist Photos,” shared a similar message to the one I wish to convey. This work showed mostly nude women with powerful sayings written across them. These images addressed women’s bodily autonomy, reproductive rights and slut-shaming. Although these women are nude, they are not meant to be objectified and demeaned by the male gaze. Instead their bodies are used to convey a powerful message.

Another photographer who has heavily influenced my idea for my final is Peter Devito. He is a photographer from NYC who I follow on instagram. He has done several projects involving powerful messages about body image, mental health and gender roles. The picture below is similar to the message I want to address. I hope to show forms of male vulnerability that are often shunned away by society.