1
isbn
80-247-1514-7
What is Beauty?
ISSUE ONE BEHOLDER MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009
‘Find beautiful meanings...
...in beautiful things.’ Oscar Wilde
1
Issue One November 2009 Website www.beholdermagazine.com Email info@beholdermagazine.com Telephone +64 7 4385 7733 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of information contained within. No part of Beholder may be reproduced in any way without express permission of the publishers. The opinions published in Beholder are from anonymous participants who have given permission for their views and demographic information to be published in Beholder only. Don’t sweat the small stuff, relax and think about beautiful things!
What is beauty?
We are constantly bombarded
The word itself has become fastened
These concepts work together in forming
with visual messages around
to this industry; signifying physicality
ideas of beauty and identity within
the idea of beauty.
and good looks rather than classic ideas
society, with emphasis on individual
of beauty such as truth or nature.
opinions and expression.
But what is beauty, really?
The intention of this publication is to
Is it something perfect or ideal? Is it
prioritise personal views on beauty
rare and special? Is it a concept based
over media defined ideas; to celebrate
upon personal ideas and opinions?
beauty as a diversely personal concept.
Mass media has shaped what ‘beauty’ means in the Western world- young, gorgeous, slim and desirable. We are endlessly told that this ideal is attainable; by using this product or that service. By exploiting our personal fears, perpetually overshadowing us with glossy airbrushed images of ‘perfect’ people, and making false
Beauty may be a subjective idea, but are our judgements not somewhat affected from day one by cultural and social influences?
An anonymous group of individuals were asked a series of questions about how they percieve beauty. Their answers feature in the pages that follow;
promises, the beauty industry has
Searching for beauty is basic to human
unedited and straight up, to give you
transformed the idea of beauty into
nature, and the desire for individuality
an insight into other people’s ideas
a superficial, hollow concept.
is essential to humans.
and to inspire your own.
The Questionnaire An online survey and email address was set up to generate and recieve responses from public participants. Flyers and posters were distributed in a section of Wellington CBD at cafes, shops and public spaces, and also at Massey University. A link to the online poll was posted on social networking websites Twitter and Facebook, which generated responses NZ wide.
Who completed the questionnaire?
Age Range 16-40 years
Sex Ratio Female
24
Male
9
N/A
3
F47 These icons follow the quotes to indicate the sex and age of the participant in order to give a bit of context.
= Sites the survey and/or
The average time participants spent
posters were distributed
typing their responses was between 5 and
ST
10 minutes, with over a half of responses RIA
taking between 5 and 15 minutes.
VIC
TO
Keep in mind when reading individual responses that they range from O
U
RT
EN
flippant comments to deep and AY
PL
meaningful thoughts.
CU
BA
ST
C
BU
CK
LE
ST
0 20 -3
00-05
Time Spent on Survey (mins)
15-20
05-10 10-15
First things first...
does beauty matter?
outer beauty can contribute to a positive first impression, but inner beauty is the key.
yes YES
no i do not think that beauty matters, i think that it’s all superficial these days anyway with the magazines in which every woman is air brushed.
yes yes
YES.
yes
sometimes
yes
yes yes
yes
not superficially
yes
yes
inherent in the word beauty is a positive value judgement. it cannot be removed from this.
depends what for, in most things, yes. to most people, yes.
Yes
yes
YES
yes
yup
yes, yes it does.. yes
yes
yes, people will always be judged on their appearance
yes YES
yes
yes
yes Yes
yes
yes
yes
i want to say no...but it makes the world a nicer place to live in....so i guess, yes.
it depends. i guess it does, but it’s how we each view it.
YES
Yes
well, yes. in this heavily-marketed age, beauty buys, and beauty sells.
1. Well defined
What is your personal definition of beauty?
F23
‘SIZE SIX JEANS, BIG EYELASHES, A ‘C’ CUP BRA AT THE LEAST.’
‘BEAUTY HAS MANY DIFFERENT FACES. TO BE OUTWARDLY BEAUTIFUL, THERE IS OFTEN A SYMMETRY IN A PERSON’S FEATURES.’ F47
“OF EVERYTHING.. I SUPPOSE SOMETHING THAT CHANGES SOMETHING IN ME, AS A RECEPTER OF IT - MAKES MY HEART BEAT FASTER, MAKES MY PUPILS GROW, MAKES ME PRICK UP MY EARS, GIVES ME THAT THRILL OF ENCOUNTERING SOMETHING... AND IT WOULD USUALLY BE IN A PLEASANT WAY, ALTHOUGH BEAUTY AND WHATEVER IT’S OPPOSITE/S ARE ARE PROBABLY NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. HMM, DOES THAT MEAN SOMETHING’S NOT BEAUTIFUL IF IT ISN’T SEEN/HEARD/EXPERIENCED THROUGH A SENSE BY A BEING? I WONDER...” F27
F22
M22
‘I think beauty comes in various forms;
‘Something that is amazing when
there’s inner beauty, superficial outer
admired from a distance.’
beauty, beautiful moments such as a baby being born, and beautiful things like a sunset, my friends..’
M22
F16 ‘The attractiveness of a person.’
F22
‘For me I find imperfections beautiful
‘Inner beauty. A pretty girl, shes
(imperfections that I’m attracted to);
beautiful in a superficial way. If that girl
a perfect woman is not necessarily the
is beautiful inside, thats what matters.’
most beautiful. Someone who keeps healthy and is comfortable with them-
F21
selves as a person is beautiful to me.
‘As cliche as it is, a good personality.
Nice eyes, and nice colourful dresses.’
Its good if you find yourself or someone
NA ‘Knowing who you are and being at peace with knowing you don’t have to be better than others to feel beautiful. It comes from the inside out.’
F27 ‘A confident person who carries herself
else physically attractive; but looks change and you have to like who you are and who you’re with for more than their looks.’
F21 ‘When something or someone is just astonishing and you cannot take your eyes away; like a magnificent scenery or a lovely flower.’
with pride. A person with grace, and a genuine open smile.’
F
F19 ‘For a person; confidence; not to be embarrased of own body; someone
‘If you are beautiful on the inside then it
feeling great in their body. Otherwise
will shine through. But the light will be
the object/element has to tell a story,
prettier if you’ve got the genes to help!’
or evoke something in the viewer.’
‘Something aesthetically pleasing.
I think this changes for each person.
I personally find really different, interesting and sometimes rough/unfinished things beautiful.’
F19
F21 ‘Without sounding too cliche, I truly believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder - because what one person
F47
may see as beautiful, another may find
‘Beauty has many different faces.
very plain. And then there are things
To be outwardly beautiful, there is
that are beautiful that can be seen or
often a symmetry in a person’s
not seen. A smile, a sunrise, a photo
features. I also think of real beauty
of NZ landscape - can be seen.
as a quality of the heart. The eyes
A person’s generousity, or love, cannot.
usually convey a sense of kindness
I also think that as we grow older, our
and empathy that to me are key
perception of beauty changes.’
aspects of beauty.’
F21
F21
F45 ‘I have fought conventional standards of ‘beauty’ since my teens - so I define beauty as more than just external
‘Beauty is what gets us up in the
‘Beauty is something that makes me
presentation - I look for a beautiful
mornings, it’s that amazing sunrise
happy, inspires me, reminds me that
spirit/soul, a personality trait, if you
you can’t forget, the first touch of your
there is goodness in the world. It
will. I see beauty in music and dance,
child, and seeing them grow; it’s that
is something to strive for, to create
outside of the physical presence of the
piece of life that makes you smile.
‘beauty’ for others through physical,
performer (although I’m not really
It isn’t models or stereotypical beautiful
emotional, and psychological forms;
that consistent; I still have moments of
people, but the way people and things
to please, inspire and return the hope
thinking ‘that person is f*ugly!’, and a
touch your heart.’
that beauty gives to me.’
penchant for men with tight buns).’
‘Substance is beauty. Oneness. Clarity of self.’ M33
F18
F
‘Anything that gives Joy. Hope.
‘Something that is balanced, whether
Comfort. Reason.’
that is a face, drawing, building, plan or typeface it doesn’t matter; something is
F35
beautiful to me when it looks balanced.’
‘Kind, caring, open hearted, peaceful, cheerful, not racist, self insight.’
M31 ‘The ability of people and property
F
of objects which inspires thought,
‘If you are beautiful on the inside then it
reflection, insight; often through
will shine through. But the light will be
inciting strong emotional responses.’
prettier if you’ve got the genes to help!’
F22 F21
‘Something that makes people happy,
‘Moments of pleasure,through
for me this is things like friendship,
ones senses.’
laughter, anything that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. Things in the world
F21 ‘Things that look good... complimenting colours, a bit different from the crowd and entertainment value.’
that make you stop and think ‘wow’.’
M22 ‘A quality which makes you like, want or desire anything based solely upon
M21 ‘A personal combination of nature and nurture will decide that for all of us.’
it’s appearance with utter disregard for any ‘useful’ or ‘negative’ qualities it may possess.’
FNA
“Beauty is radiance, either physical or from within. An aspect or aspects of someone or something that shines through.”
F30
“Beauty is a word that describes something which you find pleasing or attractive but it is not important to gain possession of.”
M22
“
Beauty is in the eye of the
beholder M21
�
2. Personified
What makes a person beautiful?
‘Intelligence Conviction Talent Passion.’ NA
‘scientifically it’s ratios, the symmetricalness of your face and the proportion of your body.’ F
F27 ‘Confidence and poise, a person who is happy in their own skin.’ F22 ‘Some one whose confident, presents themselves well, and is special to me.’ M22 ‘A person who is confident but not arrogant.’ F19 ‘Confident of own body.’ F19 ‘Happiness, natural, healthy, fresh, clean, confidence.’
F21
‘My cat Muffy was reeaaal fat and had no tail, but she was incredibly beautiful to me. She used to bring me flowers instead of birds and used to come cuddle if I cried. It’s whats on the inside that counts.’
F22
M22
‘The way they see themselves, and how they respond to the world.’ F18
F
F21
‘Being genuine. Compassion. Gentleness.
‘When you can see just by watching
Kindness. You can be physically hot,
some-one for a couple of moments and
but if you don’t have warmth and depth
tell how kind hearted they are; I do not
to your personality then you are not an
think it has anything to do with looks.’
attractive person.’
F21 F22
‘Attitude and personality. Physical
‘Someone who is caring and genuine,
features obviously....but people are too
sometimes looks too, but it isnt the
individual for me to specify features.’
only factor.’
M21 F16
‘‘Not too sure if there’s a specific formula.
‘Physical appearance at first impressions;
I like plenty of red headed girls, though,
but when you know them all you see is
and anyone who looks weather beaten
their personality – so that effects how
has definite allure, like country girls,
you look at them physically and creates
street kids, punks, surfers, travelers...’
beauty or removes it.’
‘WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEM YOU INSTINCTIVELY LIKE THEM TO SOME DEGREE,
EVEN IF THEY ARE A BITCH.’ M22
F21
‘having a good heart and the ability to love others above oneself.’
NA
‘PHYSICAL ‘NATURAL ATTRIBUTES
TANNED
THAT I FIND BEAUTIFUL
BIG EYES’
ARE SKIN AND EYES.
EMOTIONAL
F21
‘ANYTHING THAT
ARE ATTITUDE
IS ATTRACTIVE
WARMTH AND
IN THE EYES OF THE
HUMOUR’ BEHOLDER’ F30
‘EYES.’
F31
‘BALANCED
F21
FEATURES, SOFT SMOOTH
SKIN & LARGE EYES ’ F47
F21 ‘How genuine they are.’ M33
M21 ‘Imperfections as well as perfections.’ M40
‘When they are whole and true
‘Attitude to life i.e. if they are open to
to themselves.’
learn or consider; and their approach to dealing with others. Considerate.’
F22 ‘How kind and caring they are; the love they have for you. Thinking
F21 ‘Uniqueness.’
about others before themselves. For example, my friends and family
F45
are all beautiful because I know they
‘Unconventional presentations.
would do anything for me and they
(But I still register good bone structure)
are there to pick you up when you
of hair, makeup, style.’
are down. Selflessness.’ F22 M22 ‘Their relationship with themselves, people and things around them.’ F35 ‘Kind, caring, open hearted, peaceful, cheerful, not racist, self insight.’ F22
‘Caring and nice (for want of a better word).’ F19 ‘If I know them, their personality; how personable they are. Their smile. Generally a gorgeous smile thats frequently used would make me consider someone beautiful.
‘When they are kind and you can
Well- groomed, and someone with
admire them and they speak softly
self respect.’
and thoughtfully and they smell pretty.’
M21
3. Objectified
What makes an object beautiful?
‘The beauty of objects is judged solely on their appearance. I don’t see something as beautiful because it is useful or of value.’ F, 22 F22
M, 21
‘SHAPE’‘PERFECTION ATTENTION TO DETAIL
F21
‘ TOUCH AND SMELL & PERHAPS EVEN COLOUR
CONTEXT ’ M21
OF THE OBJECT ’ ‘TEXTURE, SHAPE ’ F21
M22
‘ITS FORM’ ‘ COLOUR & SHAPE ’ F27
F30
‘A STORY IT TELLS HOW IT MAKES US FEEL
THE DESIGN
‘CRAFT’ F21
THE LINES’ ‘MEANING F19
‘ PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ’ F35
UNIQUENESS
SPECIAL’ F16
‘Delicacy, Ornate, Intricate...
Something you know time, effort & passion has been put into.’
F21
F23
F
‘Design, function, colour. Tamagotchis.
‘It’s the same as people, ratio and
Vacuum cleaners.’
proportions and balance.’
F22 ‘What it looks like. Something that
F22 ‘Symmetry, nice colours that don’t clash.’
envokes feelings within. Like a Paua shell, all those pretty colours...’
NA ‘The right proportions and a strong idea.’
F19 ‘Something natural and completely untouched or on the contrary, something with the touch of a human hand, something with a slightly messy or hand-made quality.’
F ‘Smooth. I don’t like lumps and sharp things. If it has flow and looks soft... Not jagged and intense.’
F25 ‘Nice shape, functionality.’
NA ‘Simplicity, function, elegance.’
F ‘When its different from the things around it.’
M40 ‘Form and function and the ability to surprise i.e. I hadn’t considered that (improving on the perfect.)’
‘QUALITY OF RAWNESS.’ M21
M22
M22
‘Considered. A point of difference.’
F27 ‘Something that you want to look at for longer and feel positive about..’
F22 ‘It’s usually a one of a kind, something you see rarely or something you attach memories to that may give it a special meaning, eg: something shared with someone special.’
F21 ‘I like things that are in their pure form, untainted and unchanged. But I also think the story behind an object also decides whether it is beautiful or not. For example, a wedding ring- the proposal and the love = beautiful; but if the diamond were a blood diamond, then it’s no longer beautiful.’
‘WHEN IT SIMPLY EXPRESSES A SINGLE IDEA OR EMOTION.’ M33
4. Under the influence
How do you think people’s personal opinions on beauty are devised?
F25
‘Intuition.’
F24
‘MEDIA
’
F21 ‘By the media and the influence of
M21 ‘Experience.’
those around them.’
F21 M22 ‘Groups of friends, do they approve of
‘How they’ve been taught by the people close to them.’
what I think? Media, upbringing, and hormones combined with alcohol.’
F16
F40 ‘Personal opinion, (shaped by environment considerations) peer
‘Because that is what they are supposed
views, trends, fashion, what we have
to think (to some extent) but also things
been taught or conditioned to think.’
that they are drawn to.’
NA F19
‘What they have been influenced
‘Possibly because of the way they’ve been
by growing up, their perception of
brought up, and each individuals values,
truth and what they view to be
and what they’re subjected to (eg. media).’
successful in life.’
F
‘Because a lot of people, I believe, don’t actually know what the word beauty stands for.’ M33
F21
‘A lot of people think beauty is what the
‘Because they’re told what is beautiful
media tells them it is.’
and what is not, without being able to make their minds up for themselves.
F22
And because a lot of people, I believe,
‘I think too much is commercialised,
don’t actually know what the word
I feel beauty is more than skin deep,
beauty stands for. And of course,
but we are shown and told since we’re
the media. magazines, the internet,
little in fairy tales that looks and beauty
Fashion Channel, E Channel.’
counts eg; the ugly step sisters in cinderella. Actors, singers, entertainers
F27
etc.... they are mostly ‘made’ beautiful
‘Oh, well, often the advertising (and
so we see no natural beauty.
non-advertising) media suggests what
I think more natural beauty should
it is, but that’s just so companies can
be shown and discussed, even though
make money - because it is FREE to look
we all aspire to the commercial look
like people naturally do, so it must be
of beauty.’
discouraged for profit, haha.’
‘Culturally constructed notions adjusted by the personal experiences of the individual.’ M22
F23
F21
‘Human beings are attracted to
‘By who they really are; I think that’s
symmetry and perfect proportions.’
how you can get people’s individual
F25 ‘Intuition- people are instinctively
opinions on a matter.’
F21
F18 ‘Media. Religion. Pain.’
F22 ‘From how they are brought up; people pick up the values of their parents etc.
drawn to things that are visually
‘Human beings have been made to
I think people who are self conscious or
appealing. Also media hype can help
have differing opinions. For example,
super focused on their appearance have
influence ideas to a certain degree.’
anyone that had not grown up with
trouble seeing other things as beautiful.
my kitten would have thought she was
Certain events and stages of peoples lives
a runty old thing.’
change their focus and perceptions; e.g
F21 ‘Partly because of natural laws of attraction: eg. attraction between male
F
losing some one you love can make you have to find beauty in other things;
and females. And partly because we
‘Things that they learn from media,
superficial things become less important,
are trained by media to interpret beauty
family, friends; and also things that
as when it comes down to it these aren’t
from what we are shown or offered.’
make them happy and smile.’
the things that will get us through life.’
M21
‘INNER CONCIOUSNESS,
MEDIA, UPBRINGING.’ NA
. . . . . . . . . M21
‘Social constructs but I guess also biological instincts.’
5. Catalogued
List 5 ideas or objects you think are beautiful...
F21
‘EYES EMOTIONS PERSONALITY COMPASSION UNDERSTANDING.’
F18
Typewriters Dimensional Transition Intergalactic Earth Impregnation Soviet Design Red
M21
‘Wings caught in the tears of the pool/
Please spend this money to help my son Hue/
M22
Now now, there there, thats that/
I want to see, my family, my wife and child, waiting for me/’
F16 ‘The word ‘Hope’, clouds, trees, rings, selflessness.’
F35 ‘Maori carvings, ta moko, a rose.’
F22 ‘My best friends, a baby being born, my ring I wear, my little sisters are beautiful, a poem written by someone special to me.’
F22 ‘Love, babies (of the human and kittenary variety), friendship, family, love making, tropical islands full of brown boys.’
M21 ‘Beaches, sunsets, my girlfriend, a fresh meal, socializing with friends- seeing people laughing and having fun.’
M33 ‘My fiancee. Blood. Overhead kicks. Waves. Earth seen from space.’
F22 ‘When water sparkles in the sun, bright
F22
things, babies! Immogen Cunningham
‘The sunset, clean green nature itself,
photographs.’
a smile, laughter.’
M40 ‘In no particular order: iPod, Adidas soccer boots, TaylorMade driver (golf club), Porsche 911 (classic) and my leather satchel.’
NA ‘Unconditional love, the iPod, Audi A4, Kartel Furniture and my Marc Jacobs silk scarf.’
M21 ‘iMacs, my girlfriend, the tree in my front yard, humanity, the moon.’
F21 ‘Any engagement and wedding ring, Charity, Passion, Cats, Fire.’
NA ‘Most things in nature, Eames fiberglass chair, Wong Kar Wei films.’
M22 ‘The fern ball above Civic Square, anchors, staircases leading up to Karori, coffee roasters, the bucket fountain.’
‘Find beautiful meanings...
...in beautiful things.’ Oscar Wilde
1
isbn
80-247-1514-7
What is Beauty?
ISSUE ONE BEHOLDER MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2009