Much of my work is gender-based. But I don’t sit down and think: What can I say about gender or feminism, today? Gender-based work comes to the surface organically, which has really surprised me. As much as I am passionate about issues dealing with gender and feminism, much of my rants have dealt with other justice issues like racism, food justice and animal rights. There are likely a lot of forces at play, but one of the main forces is my age: In my early thirties I think differently about body image and motherhood/the pressure to have children than I did in my twenties, and I am now comfortable with my own gender identity so that I can confidently proclaim it, publicly. The work is personal and is a reflection of this growth and my values regarding gender and feminism. And the ongoing War on Womyn and this constant oppressive demand on us for one thing or the other needs to be responded to, for sure. For me, there’s no option to be silent with this mess.
To view more of Jessica’s work, check out her website (http://jrowart.com/)
For the month of July, FCA is excited to feature writer, Nicole Luongo. Nicole is a freelance writer and her work can be found at The Huffington Post, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
I am an Iranian photographer who identifies with progressive movements. My work is essentially feminist in approach and sensibility. I came to London 20 years ago escaping the Islamic state and now photograph, and create collages to express my female identity and my desire for liberation. I exhibited photographs at Pogo Cafe, Hackney last year and at Candid Gallery, North London in January 2012. I produce postcards and posters of my designs. I aim to write about my experiences in Iran. I also work as a volunteer at Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) which campaigns against domestic violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. It’s an important campaign group.
FCA’s virtual series for the month of May includes photos from an event we participated with in February. On a cold evening in Chicago, the Beauty Gallery took place at the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) through the campus organization Feminists United. FCA had the chance to talk with the creator of this event, Breanne. She enthusiastically explained her passion and desire through this show. FCA is excited to feature an up-and-coming feminist, her work and inspiration.
How did you come up with the idea for the Beauty Gallery?
I came up with the idea for beauty gallery because I saw the dove beauty campaign. It made me realize how important it was to me that everyone realized that they were both beautiful on the inside and out. Further more, I wanted people to know that there was no specific mold that defined beauty and they didn’t have to try to be something that they personally didn’t see fit. I thought it was especially important on IIT’s campus because we are a different group of people, we focus on school and stuff that makes us unique. I thought that our student body would make a perfect group to demonstrate the different types of beauty! On IIT’s campus you are more likely to get noticed for having a high GPA than having perfect skin or a rockin’ bod. I think hearing everyone’s idea of beauty as well as seeing them very natural and happy was a good way to emphasize the beauty that comes from within.
How did you decide how to execute your idea?
I decided to execute my idea after many lunch/coffee meetings with the Feminists United founder Meagan Sarratt. She was super encouraging and helped me to work out some kinks in the planning. Originally the plan was a lot different and involved the individuals photographed taking very raw/natural photos. They still would have been able to wear whatever they wanted but they would have been asked to wear very neutral colors as to emphasize their natural beauty. I decided with help from the current Feminists United eboard that allowing more freedom would better execute what I had in mind and thus just provided really simplistic backgrounds.
What was your inspiration for this project?
As previously mentioned the Dove campaign that I had seen in a magazine. It shows individuals of all different sizes and talks about how beautiful they are. As well there is a video on you tube that goes through the step by step of how photo shopped most magazine pictures are and it was very eye opening. I think that too many people, girls especially, are focused on the far from ideal expectations set by the media and I think it is a problem and this was my way of spreading the word.
Do you consider this work feminist? If so, why?
I do consider this work feminist. I think this because the beauty gallery strives to raise awareness of the pressures put on individuals to look a certain way or be a certain way. It is apparent in both genders however, I believe that more often than not, the women in the media are the ones that are distorted to fit an unrealistic image. I also think it is important to realize that men are not here to define what makes a woman beautiful, nor is the media, it is entirely up to each person and without these preconceived ideals I think that the idea of ‘beauty’ would be a lot broader because individuals would be more willing to open their eyes to unconventional beauty as well as interior beauty.
Feminist Creative Alliance is happy to support Rape Victim Advocates’ annual poetry/spoken word event on April 19th, 2012! See the details below! Confirmed readings by: Sandra Posadas, Stephanie Lane Sutton, and one of FCA’s board members, Lachrista Greco! Come out and support a great cause!
Rape Victim Advocates presents the 5th Annual, “Breaking the Silence Poetry Night”
Thursday, April 19th
7-10 pm
Cafe Mestizo, 1738 W. 18th Street
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Please join us for coffee, refreshments, and empowerment through the arts!
For more info, contact Megan at: cchmedical@rapevictimadvocates.org