This next project has been in my mind as something I’ve wanted to pursue for a while. Initially the emotional challenge was a fundamental part of the idea. As a woman researching and addressing issues of feminine power in her work, why should I feel any fear at laying myself completely open in this physical way? That fear was more of a hypothetical question in the planning stages of the project, mainly because it’s one extreme element of my character to not allow myself to feel embarrassed. However, perhaps predictably, when it came time to shoot, the nerves kicked in.
I find it difficult confronting my own nudity. This is a fundamental part of the idea. Those nerves had the desired effect of forcing me to ask why. I believe it to be, because I feel that my body doesn’t represent the dimensions of perfection as fed to us by patriarchal views in today’s society.
On Show, 2014, Hannah Maynard, photographic image
This image is one I wanted to make in order to represent this inner cycle of scrutiny. The paintings are my own work and depict very specific, feminine parts of my anatomy. The lighting is bright and inescapable, much like the spotlight that shines on women everywhere, everyday in western society.
Although in some respects the production of this piece of work has been cathartic for me as a woman, I feel more strongly the development of my interest in this subject from my perspective as an artist. Within the piece I am asking questions which go on to generate even more questions and open up a world of enquiry in this field.
