United States-based artist Ashley Oubré, draws out -- literally and figuratively -- the raw emotions instilled in those with body image issues in her latest series of illustrations.
The images created by the self-taught artist look like real photos of those struggling with obesity and anorexia, but they are in fact, photorealistic drawings done by hand. Oubré created them using only graphite power, india ink and a carbon pencil.
Each illustration features a person sitting or laying in a sorrowful state on the ground completely nude. They are depicted hindering the views of their bodies and make the viewer empathetic to those suffering from social and personal shame and unwanted exposure.
Oubré drew them in an advance to reach out to those who are "suffering in silence" and feel lost.
Despairing Body Image Illustrations
Ashley Oubré Drew a Series of People Facing Body Image Issues
Trend Themes
1. Body Positivity Movement - The trend towards body positivity, self-acceptance and diversity is disrupting traditional beauty standards and creates opportunities for businesses that cater to inclusive and diverse beauty products, services, and marketing.
2. Mental Health Awareness - The trend towards mental health advocacy, education and awareness is disrupting stigmas around body image and creates opportunities for businesses that offer mental health support, counseling, and advocacy.
3. Hyperrealism Art - The trend towards hyperrealism art is disrupting traditional art expectations and creates opportunities for artists that can utilize their talents to create thought-provoking experiences that address societal issues.
Industry Implications
1. Beauty Industry - The beauty industry can leverage the body positivity movement to create products and services that promote positive self-image, self-care educational resources, and inclusive marketing and advertising.
2. Mental Health Industry - The mental health industry can leverage the mental health awareness trend to provide more specialized and accessible services for individuals and groups with body image issues, as well as to develop educational and awareness resources targeted towards prevention and intervention.
3. Art Industry - The art industry can leverage the trend towards hyperrealism to create art that provokes thought and sparks conversation around social and cultural issues, potentially leading to increased demand and recognition for artists in this field.