Amanda Newman

Amanda Newman

The perception of negative body image contributes to poor self-esteem, self- stigmatisation and less self-efficacy. This has imprisoned me within a cycle of criticism based on my weight and body image. It restricts me in the way that I dress and hide my perceived faults to present a limited, edited version of myself to others.

My aim is to express firstly, the constraining pressure to conform to social and cultural standards; and secondly, the change to accepting and being comfortable with my body. This led me to portray myself within the natural environment of the beach, where the body can be freed from society’s ideals and evoke a sense of acceptance. The use of black and white takes away the distraction of the colours and allows the viewer to concentrate on the subject matter. I have placed myself as the subject, to be viewed but also to look back at the viewer, challenging their gaze and their judgement.