The photo series titled Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira looks incredibly uncomfortable. It revolves around dark portraits of people who have had their faces disfigured by a handful of black elastic bands. It explores the standard of beauty set out by the media and how that effects people's self-esteem. By forcing individuals to focus on their looks, it is hard not to become depressingly obsessed with imperfections.
Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira specifically brings attention to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental illness involving body image issues that results in depression and social phobia. According to the artist, Dismorfobina is a "[d]isorder suffered by those who have been dominated by the habits of consumerism. This project reflects the deformation of our identity, when we desperately try to fit into a perfect mold that is not our own."
Distorting Elastic Portraits
Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira is Filled With Uncomfortable Captures
Trend Themes
1. Body Dysmorphia Awareness - The photo series brings attention to BDD, creating opportunities for mental health professionals and organizations to develop new resources and solutions for people who suffer from it.
2. Challenging Beauty Standards - Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira challenges the traditional beauty standards depicted in the media, creating space for unfamiliar models and styles to become popular and potentially disrupting the beauty industry.
3. Artificial Self-esteem - The prevalence of software apps for editing and enhancing selfies and photos can provide avenues for developers to create more responsible AI and machine learning technologies that promote realistic imagery and self-love.
Industry Implications
1. Mental Health - Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira can encourage mental health professionals to rethink the ways they approach diagnosis and treatment of BDD, potentially disrupting current methods.
2. Fashion and Beauty - Dismorfobina by Natalia Pereira's challenge of the beauty industry opens the door for new aesthetics, designers, and marketing strategies, potentially disrupting traditional fashion and beauty media.
3. Technology - The rising usage of AI for photo editing and filtering necessitates developers to offer more ethical and responsible options for consumers concerned about their self-image and perceptions of beauty.