Gazing Woman
» Would you like
to be portrayed as an object of lust? «
» How would you show yourself? «
Gazing Woman is a photo series that depicts people as objects of sexual desire, in self-determined portraits.
The work reflects the „male gaze“ and adds sensual-sexual depictions from an explicitly female perspective.
It involves the people photographed in the process by letting them decide how to be portrayed. They are asked questions to which they respond non-verbally in front of the camera.
Art print edition: per motif 3 pieces, each size: 60x40cm and 120x80cm (plus each size 2 artist prints) Material: Printed on „FineArt Pearl“ by Hahnemühle, laminated on Aludibond with shadow gap, transfered in an aluminum ArtBox.
Art book: 31 portraits, 68 pages, Softcover with thread stitching.
Catherine Lieser: » I am probably not the only person who „gazes“. I am probably not the only woman who likes to look at people in a sensual, sexual way.
Or are only men allowed to do that? I take the liberty of slipping into the active role. I swap roles to experience the powerful role of the gazer who even points her camera at someone.
With decency. I add sensual-sexual depictions from an explicitly female perspective. Including the consent of the photographed. Poses, clothing - or no clothing - and the position of my camera are chosen by the portrayed.
No mere projection. Limiting the objectification. Respecting each ones personality.
Different genders and as many types as possible are photographed, so that the series invites and resonates with as many „gazers“ as possible. I am including instead of excluding.
I offer them a blank space, literally and symbolically, to take back the authority of interpretation over their sexuality and their self-perception of attraction. «