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Of Artistry, Photography, And Body Shaming

“It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.”

– Alfred Eisenstaedt

For the past year, after graduating from the makeup artistry school, I was able to work with models and photographers to build up my portfolio. It opened a lot of doors not only for opportunities but also for admiration in different art forms other than makeup artistry. It made me look into the uniqueness of every art form.

In makeup artistry, my instructors told me that makeup is there to enhance the beauty of every people, not really changing it—not unless, perhaps, if it’s for a cosplay or avant-garde look. And as an artist, it is your duty to enhance what is already there in your canvass and make the most of it. Not to discriminate or but to nurture it.

Just recently, however, I saw a post in one of the pages that I am following regarding a photographer airing his side pointing out to models who are fat and/or with dark underarms who are asking for TF.

Just to be fair with Mr. Alvin Black, his main point was directed to models who are asking for TF but are not worthy of it since 1. they’re not really that beautiful (as to what standards he based beauty from, that I do not know) and 2. they’re not knowledgeable on how to pose in front of the camera despite them being paid for it.

That was really the point of his post. But what aggravated people, especially women, who saw the post was the fact that it was embellished first with insults to specific demographic of women that are obviously sounding stereotypical. He first started his sentence with the adjectives 1. “mataba,” 2. “maitim ang kili kili,” and 3. di marunong mag pose.”

Again, let me reiterate that I agree with Mr. Black’s main point of models who are asking for TF must bring the value in the set as to what they are paid for. But body shaming? That I can’t agree with.

As a plus size myself, I know my worth as a person as a subject in a photo. Yes, I may be big compared to the stereotypical definition of a “model” but I know what art is and I appreciate different works of art, too. But making it sound that photography as an avenue of self-expression only exclusive for thin and fair people is not justifiable.

As such, people who saw the post were quick to react and air their side. Some photographers stated that the context was right on point but clouded because of the stereotyping that was first raised.

To make it easier to digest and to stick with what the main point is, one netizen said:

While others challenge other photographers out there to make an art of whatever subject they have. Regardless if they’re fat, with dark underarms, and not too good with poses.

As a plus size and an artist, I see beauty in many forms and shapes and in flaws and strengths. We all aim for what is desirable, I know. But putting one’s artistry or an art for the sake of bringing one’s up is not the main goal of art. It’s like Picasso’s masterpieces being compared the works of Beethoven. Or a haiku being judged to the standard of a sonnet.

Obviously, art will always be largely synonymous with beauty. But as Francis Bacon said it, “the best part of beauty is that which no person can express.”

Of Artistry, Photography, And Body Shaming

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Joemar Belleza

Blogger-In-Chief at Bakla Po Ako, Confirmed!

Joemar is the Blogger-In-Chief of BaklaPoAko.Com. He is currently a graduate student in University of the Philippines Open University. He also studied at Maquillage Professionnel School of Makeup Artistry and School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA). He is a bold advocate of education, environment and LGBT issues. An earner, dreamer and a lover. Before he was once a dream-sprouting seed. Now he's a tree in his renaissance and will always be evergreen. Hear him speak with his intelligent guide for gay news of the Philippines and worldwide, Bakla Po Ako. Confirmed!.Follow him on Twitter @belleza_joemar. Gay it forward!