"Rooted in my own struggles with body dysmorphic disorder, the project explores the nuanced connection between body and mind, aiming to unveil the hidden battles faced by young women."
Artist: Daria Lazo
Project: Corpus
"Corpus is a deeply personal project that delves into self-discovery and challenges societal stigmas surrounding women's bodies. Rooted in my own struggles with body dysmorphic disorder, the project explores the nuanced connection between body and mind, aiming to unveil the hidden battles faced by young women. As a response to my journey, I set a rule: capturing each participant's vulnerability with only two 120 rolls of film—color and black and white. This deliberate constraint not only shaped the artistic process but also contributed to the project's sustainability, reducing waste and emphasizing the value of each exposure.
This limitation shifted the focus from the 'perfect image' to documenting unique experiences. Through medium format photography, intricate details become storytelling tools, preserving authenticity. Mindful of avoiding objectification, especially of the female nude, I focused on details like scars, moles, and tattoos that represent personal histories. Each session was similar to a therapy session, fostering meaningful conversations and capturing the essence of each participant's experience. The photographs became windows into intimate moments, making the portraits personal and private rather than public."
"Participants responded to selected photographs with monologues, poems, or apologies, reflecting a range of emotions. Beyond physical appearance, Corpus challenges societal body image norms, deconstructing traditional portrayals and initiating a dialogue transcending contemporary beauty ideals. By incorporating written works alongside visual representations, the project recognizes the complexity of our relationship with our bodies. Each body carries a unique history, fueling ongoing conflicts and vulnerabilities.
‘Corpus’ seeks to sustain a crucial dialogue, urging viewers to rethink perceptions and appreciate the exceptional uniqueness inherent in every individual's body. This exploration is more than a photobook; it is a form of photo therapy, fostering connections between participants and myself as an artist. It challenges viewers to confront societal beauty ideals, employing altered compositions to evoke discomfort and prompt contemplation. It advocates for the authentic representation of the female body, offering a counter-narrative to historical objectification."
© Daria Lazo