Reclaiming the "Before" Body - Portraits of womens' torsos

This is a interesting project by Clarity Haynes: a series of portraits of women's torsos intended to normalise the frankly normal bodies used in advertisements for cosmetic surgeries and diet plans.

Here's part of  her statement from the website:

 

"Historically, the painted portrait signifies prestige, beauty and social power.  I choose to portray women's real bodies, which are often invisible in this culture.

The face is our commonly recognized self – our “mask” of identity. Focusing exclusively on the torso shines a light on a part of the individual that is usually hidden. Each torso bears traces of unique personal experience: tattoos, childbirth, aging, stretchmarks and surgical interventions.

...

The sitter's choice to have a portrait done is a courageous act of self-revelation. Portraiture involves participation, collaboration and even performance."

(source)

 Apparently Haynes has now produced over 500 of these "breast portraits", although only a small selection are shown on the website (there are also a selection of photographs of the models with their finished portrait and short statements about the process, which are interesting). 

Found via Sociological Images