Today, the project culminates in the release of an exhibition and book titled ‘Bare Reality’, in which she photographed the breasts of 100 women. Laura Dodsworth wanted to show their stories and what their breasts really look like after spending two years on this project.
Looking at some images on Laura’s website, I was struck by how harshly it reminded me of my own breasts. Before I had kids, I didn’t really give them much thought. They were perky enough and suited my frame well. But after breastfeeding two babies, they didn’t get back in shape the way I wanted. It’s fair to say that life has sucked them out of me. I love the act of breastfeeding – the bonding, the empowerment, the ritual. But now they’re just not what they once were.
I know, of course, that all breasts are different — we all know that. But it’s very rare to be faced with the opportunity to see exactly how different breasts can be, and I can imagine slotting my own breasts into the grid just like others, with no worse or better than any others.
Photo attribution: Copyright Laura Dodsworth.
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It is clear to me that Reality Bare was searching to find out what it means to be a woman. What is our experience of ageing, body image, and health? How do women feel about motherhood and breastfeeding? What do women think about sex? What do women think about growing up? Laura told me that she felt compelled to look back at the cultural mirror, which had long encircled her, in order to understand how we feel about breasts and the dichotomy between how they are presented for public consumption. This fascinated me.
Laura continued, stating that Bare Reality has utterly changed her. “I now feel incredibly sensitive towards the female encounter and I have developed a stronger fondness for myself as a female. I have always had an admiration for women. I have captured the images of 100 women, and I am aware that ‘perfection’ does not exist — I am now more fond of my breasts. I aspire to see Bare Reality assist in the transformation of others. It is my wish that it prompts individuals to reconsider their thoughts and emotions towards their bodies and the bodies of the women in their lives.”