Volume CXXXIII, Number 17 March 5, 2004

Answers to Naked Body concerns

To the Editors:

We understand that people have voiced concerns and objections about the advertising for the "Naked Body Image Project"-a piece that is part of the V-Day Art Show. Coming into this project, we knew it was a highly charged and sensitive subject. Seeing the images out of context of the show may allow for them to be misunderstood. We encourage you all to come to view the Project in its entirety.

For this project, we asked women to volunteer to have their photographs taken. There were about 50 volunteers for this project. Before photographing each subject we asked them questions like these: What do you like about your body? What is it about your body that you would like to share with the world? We also asked them to be clear about things they felt uncomfortable showing. Most subjects did not want their faces shown in the pictures.

In an effort to make images that conveyed a sense of dignity, pride, and strength, cropping our subjects' faces out of the picture proved to be a challenge. Without the return of the subject's gaze, you may feel as though the subject is unaware of the viewer's presence. But this is certainly not the truth of these photographic interactions. These subjects were volunteers who were well aware of the camera and, in fact, were involved in the creation of the images and the selection process. Our subjects told us where to point the camera, how they wanted the photograph to look, and which aspects of their body they wanted to share with others.

While making these images, we felt as though many of our subjects gained a sense of freedom and empowerment through our photographic interactions. Our hope is that these photographs show bodies of proud women the way they wanted their bodies to be represented.

We would like to thank the brave volunteers who made this project possible.

Sincerely,

Emily Hricko '06 and Emma

Raynes '04, Artists

Bree Dallinga '06, Organizer

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