What is this project about?
The project ‘Brave or beautiful?’ aims to create an opportunity for the viewer to explore their own prejudices about body shape and to reflect upon the impact of these prejudices.
This is done in a few steps. Firstly, by presenting naked bodies (and a few clothed ones), and asking the viewer the question- are the models brave for baring all, or are they in their nakedness, an object of beauty?
This creates a space for the viewer to be explicit in their thoughts on what is an ‘acceptable body shape’. The viewer is then asked to reflect upon a deeper question, which is, who is to say what is brave, what is beautiful, or what is ugly?
The project then asks the viewer to reflect upon how they outwardly communicate their body prejudices. Is it a look, a comment or by other means. What impact does this communication have on the person it is directed at or intended for? All of this reflection is done internally by the viewer and at their own pace.
The project then presents research which discusses the relationship between our sense of self (how we perceive ourselves) and our mental well-being. The question is then raised about the impact our body prejudices, and the way we communicate them, may have on the other person. In simpler and more direct terms, we ask the viewer to reflect upon the impact that their body prejudice has on others.
It is expected that in the process of exploration, other questions may internally arise such as: From where did I get my ideals of what a body ‘should look like’? How have I or my loved ones been affected or impacted by body prejudice?
Lastly and most importantly, by respectfully creating a space in which the viewer can explore their prejudices and the impact of theses prejudices on others, an opportunity for reflection and change is created. Once this process is successfully undertaken, the viewer has the potential to transfer the process and experience of critical reflection, to other aspects of their lives and thinking.
Please be aware that the e-book available on this page for viewing and download, contains full frontal male and female nudity
If you would like to download the free e-book, you have the choice of a high resolution version (approx 33Mb), or a low resolution version (approx 8MB). If you are not sure what all this means, the low resolution version is generally fine for viewing on computers and electronic devices.
Low resolution version: For those not wanting/needing not wanting a high resolution version of the e-book, simply click here to immediately start downloading a low resolution version of the e-book to your computer. This will open in an other webpage/browser window.
High resolution version: Please contact Matthew directly if you would like a High Resolution Version.
Who created this project?
This project was put together by photographer and artist: Matthew Schiavello.
Matthew is on multiple social media websites such as: Tumblr, ello, instagram, facebook .
Many, many others have had a hand in making this project possible. They took part in crowdfunding the project, they posed for the project, they provided professional support and advice. In short, without them, this project would have not have been realised. Some of the people listed below are artists, professionals or run small local businesses. Their website shows after their name, please take a moment to check them out.
Thank you:
- Daniela Esposito. Daniela designed the e-book and helped select and shape the content.
- Thank you to the following (and many more who chose to remain anonymous) for their financial, professional and all round support (in no particular order):
- Joanna from Great Frames, (greatframes.com.au)
- Clay from Thornbury Records, (thornburyrecords.com)
- Dominica Digby from The Ice Cream Embassy! (facebook.com/theicecreamembassy)
- Dionne Chambers/Tomboy Bill (tomboybill.com)
- Patrick Simons
- Jessie Adams (facebook.com/jessieadamsartist)
- Emma Langridge (emmalangridge.com)
- James Houghton
- Alan Branford
- Alberto De Tagle
- Suzanne Carbone (twitter.com/suzannecarbone instagram.com/suzannecarbone)
- Kaye L Rigby
- AK
- Marianne (Maz) McHale
- Judy Bartosy
- Helen
- Clare
- Christine
- Hans-Juergen Sommerfeld (ello.co/hjs-photo)
- fotoforays (Charmaine)
- Jody Galvin (facebook.com/JodyGalvinMusic)
- Stephen
- Peter Berner (peterberner.com)
- Adrian and Emma Clerici
- Vanessa T
- Mum
- Janice Jenkins
- Jules Falk Hunter (justjulespictures.tumblr.com)
- Thierry Facon (thierry-facon.tumblr.com)
- Sheree Cairney
- Ellen Fish (facebook.com/EllenMaryFish)
- Catherine Noone
- Sarah Browne
- Belinda
- Christine Parisi
- Glenn Locklee (glennlocklee.blogspot.com.au)
- Alex Aledo
- Yvette
- John Griffiths
- Nur Nielfa (nurnielfa.tumblr.com)
- Rick Rundle
- Ric and Ohnmar
- Indra
- Dean Galloway
- Ruby Tran
- Neil Teague
- Dawn GH
- Alics Gate-Eastley
- Trevor and Jong
- Kathryn Priestly
- Gordon
- Julie
- Tom Woolman
- Victor Goldsztein
- Michael Crowhurst
- Eduardo Donatti
- Mick Mus
- Mel Curtis (melcurtis.com)
- Jan
- Geoff York
- Luis Pedro
- Claire
- Paul
- Nuria
- Paula Rowe
- Eric Meadows
- Leanne
- Anita