ARTIST STATEMENT

When treated as the subject of a photo, women are often posed, sculpted, and sexualized—conveying a sense of ‘my body is for you’.

We see so much of this that we’re persuaded to believe that physical attributes are all women have to offer. With each image, narratives of objectification and male dominance—the male gaze—are reinforced.

I believe that women see each other differently. We recognize beauty, but we can also feel affinity and nonsexual curiosity. the female gaze challenges norms by implying a sense of freedom and personal agency, transforming objectification into: "I am free. I choose what I want to do with my body."

This collection captures how a female photographer views the female form, elevates the importance of our perspectives, and shows there’s more behind curves and breasts.

the female gaze is my ode to women. I want to illuminate the concept of the female gaze and ignite a hunger for more female perspectives, not just in art but in mainstream culture. I want more women to lead, to express, and to create—and to get fucking paid for it.

Bettina Bogar
@bettinabogar