“This set of images are taken from a related study I conducted as part of my A Level Photography, where I explored the wave of feminist photography in the 1970s and how this paved the way for artists today.
The wave of feminist photography in the 1970s presented being a woman in a new light; one where femininity was realized without the male gaze. This set of photos portrays this notion through the use of flowers, fingers and and sticky substances; presenting an abstract expression of female pleasure.
These photographs are inspired by visual artist Maisie Cousins, who through her work presents a take on the reality of nature, to symbolize how femininity and the female body are not perfect. The female body is sweaty and sticky, something which for generations has been dabbed and blotted and airbrushed away to please the male gaze. I hope these images provide the viewer with a sense of familiarity in that the subtle nature of what the flowers represent is subtly erotic; however because of the mundaneness of the flora, the viewer can choose to simply revel in the soft and warm comfort of the flowers.
The sensuality of these pieces is heightened by the texture of the sticky honey, which I hope makes the viewer want to reach out and touch the flowers. This is intended as an ironic take on the common phrase “just reach out and touch.”
This set presents the concepts of femininity and pleasure through sticky aesthetics and subtle sensuality; enhancing the idea that femininity is raw and natural, not flawless, and should not be canned by the expectations of the male gaze.”
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