THE BODY – WHEN PHOTOGRAPHY MEETS POETRY

The month of February ended with the University of East London hosting a collaborative exhibition, between photographers and creative writers, shining a light on the nature of the human body.

The aim of the exhibition was to display different perspectives of the human form and encourage the public to embrace who they are, beyond the prejudice and social misconceptions they might face. From the contrasts between genders, to the struggle of an unobtainable physical standard, the artists approached the theme in ways that defined their own thoughts and emotions.

The photographs were accompanied by poems, written to express a series of messages. Instead of illustrating beauty or love, most of the poems could be interpreted as sad, evoking motives such as disappointment, loneliness and misunderstanding.

One of the writers pictured himself as a woman, a man, then a transgender individual, representing each category in brief, efficient poems. He later recited his texts, in a theatrical performance, through which the public got a sense of each persona he portrayed.

One of the photographers dedicated an entire album to domestic abuse. Consisting mainly of close-ups, showing very precise details of a bruised female body. The album was thoughtfully placed on the shelf of an improvised living room, which acted as a change of pace and mood. The setting was conceived so that it matched a family home, only upon looking closer, could one see that the photographs contrasted with the overall atmosphere.

When entering the venue, the guests could write their own short stories on a notebook, in order to tap into their artistic side.

On one of the walls, a mirror was hanging, on which motivational phrases were written. All of them encouraged seeing through the reflection and forgetting about all the criticism and prejudice regarding our looks, that are projected by society.

The mirror, as well as the photographs and poems, could make you reconsider how you see yourself and your body’s worth. This exhibition is a recurring annual collaborative effort, that has been praised by both members of the photography and creative writing courses.