Delicate resurgence and divine embodiment: conceptual photographic portraits of women’s divine beauty

Abstract

In this article concepts of divine beauty through studio photographic portraits, digitally manipulated including composite image layering are explored. Historically, feminine beauty has maintained a prominent place in society; however, recent research suggests a majority of women are dissatisfied with their appearance and view themselves negatively as a result of continuous exposure of unrealistic beauty ideals in media . For some women, an unhealthy attitude has developed leading to dramatic increases in female cosmetic surgeries. The feminine beauty “ideal” is ever-changing, and Peg Barand recognises the appeal for a new direction in recent research. The revival of the concept of Divine Beauty is a response to increasing pressure of unachievable expectations overwhelming women. Divine beauty is beyond the physical and associated with God, aesthetics and nature. The author's photographic series challenges modern Western attitudes of feminine beauty through a series of photographic portraits. Placement of objects such as flowers and butterflies have been used as props to signify divine beauty throughout the images. This series aims to portray a concept of feminine beauty as divine and seeks to question and offer insight into feminine aesthetics in the 21st century.