Director, producer, photographer, art direction for “I Object”, which is a photographic studio-based constructed tableaux portrait project, working with women and LGBTQ+ models to explore sexual expression by such individuals. The work addresses the historic shaming from patriarchal societies moulded to the constraints of the male gaze. My work aims to challenge this by allowing the models to feel confident and empowered in exhibiting their sexuality and celebrating eroticism without objectification.
“I Object”, is a series of images intended to explore female and LGBTQ+ sexuality, without objectifying my models or being constrained by the male gaze. With over 5 years of experience in the photographic field, I have recently taken an interest in exploring how my work can address issues that I am interested in outside of what I study, and how my work can fit into an ever-changing social climate. As I have entered adulthood as a woman, it has become increasingly impossible to ignore the effect that the male gaze and non-consensual sexualisation of female bodies have had on our society. It appears that women and female-presenting people are scrutinised no matter what they choose to do with their own bodies, but particularly when they are not ashamed to express themselves sexually, or when they exhibit sexually promiscuous behaviour. I intended to address this with my work, by allowing my models to confidently and safely pose in outfits and positions that would typically be considered promiscuous, and showing the beauty of eroticism when it is a consensual choice made by all parties involved. The viewer is welcome to look at these models – but should know that the models are looking back at the viewer, and challenging them to question their perception of female bodies. I submitted this work to Atelier Melusine, a gallery in France, for their ‘Scarlet Woman’ exhibition, and one of my images was selected to be featured in the show, making this the first of my works that will be exhibited outside of a university-organised exhibition.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I particularly enjoyed photographing gigs and music performances, and I was taking as many opportunities as I could to expand my portfolio and hone my skills. I was fortunate enough to be able to shoot for several of my favourite artists, such as All Time Low, Deaf Havana, The Maine, and several others. Music has been an unrelenting passion of mine ever since I was very young, and I am careful to ensure that I capture the unique feeling and atmosphere that comes with a crowd of people sharing a live music experience. I hope to return to this style of photography as soon as the pandemic passes, as this is the area I am most passionate about.
BA (Hons) Film & Digital Art 
Celeste Winter | Fine Art
