Too You

"I think I developed language skills to deal with threat. It's the girl thing to do-you know, instead of pulling out a gun." - Barbara Kruger.

As a young woman of 23 years, I am highly aware of the idea of feminism. To me, feminism is simply the belief that women should be treated as equals to males in society. Feminism is a worldwide concept that has been accepted for the most part. However, I still find myself in situations where I feel as though I should be acting a certain way because I am female. Society still has certain expectations for women. Even women have these expectations towards other women. With this project I would like to take photos of real women and showcase their personal experiences to spread awareness into the minds of people that societal pressures against women are real, and they must stop.

          These photos will begin with a photograph that was created using “old” methods, such as Van Dyke Brown, Lumen, Cyanotype, and film. These photos will consist of “pretty” subject matter such as flowers, a common symbol of a woman. I will then combine, or overlay these photos with modern digital photos of real women in an opposing position to the “old” photos. In this way, I hope to create a sense of confusion and struggle within the viewer so that they may understand the confusion and struggle that women feel every day.

          I would also like to include a statement from the woman in the photo about her feelings on a given societal pressure. In a gallery viewing atmosphere, I would like to include a short quote from the statement as part of the viewing experience. My hope is that these words will confirm the realness of this issue in the viewer’s mind.