# Faux Disfigured Faces The Ugly Truth by Rut Mackel Explores the Idea of Identity By Meghan Young | Published 2013-01-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ugly-truth References: [visualnews](http://www.visualnews.com/2013/01/15/the-ugly-truth) & [rutmackel](http://rutmackel.com/gallery/67755/the-ugly-truth/) The Ugly Truth photo series explores the relation between attractiveness and identity. In this case, normal-looking people have disfigured their faces using the help of a clear pane of glass in order to delve into the issue of self- and social-acceptance. They pressed their faces up against it for different distortions. Although similar to the [Scotch Tape Series](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scotch-tape-series) by Wes Naman, The Ugly Truth takes on a more serious tone. Put together by London-based photographer Rut Mackel, The Ugly Truth photo series shows how [perceptions change when looks change](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/we-belong-to-something-beautiful). According to Mackel, "Face is a symbol of personal identity. It’s the mirror, or the mask of the self. The mirror either ‘reflects’ or ‘distorts’. Our faces are us. Thus, [facial disfigurement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quaker-deliciously-ugly-campaign) can be particularly distressing." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Perception Alteration:** Exploring how different looks can impact one's identity and social acceptance, there is an opportunity for businesses to develop innovative beauty products or services that focus on altering perceptions. - **Self-acceptance Journey:** The exploration of self-acceptance through disfigurement opens opportunities for businesses to develop products or services that foster self-confidence and promote a more inclusive society. - **Artistic Distortion:** The use of distortion as a creative tool in photography presents an opportunity for businesses in the art industry to experiment with innovative techniques and offer unique visual experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Beauty:** The concept of altering perceptions through changing looks creates opportunities for disruptive beauty innovations, such as transformative cosmetics or non-invasive procedures. - **Personal Development:** The exploration of self-acceptance and identity highlights the potential for businesses in the personal development industry to provide workshops, coaching programs, or self-help resources to support individuals on their journey towards self-acceptance. - **Photography:** The artistic use of distortion in photography presents disruptive innovation opportunities for businesses in the photography industry to experiment with new techniques, create captivating visuals, and redefine traditional perspectives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Truth-Forward Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ordinary-x-uncommon.md) - [Disruptive Fashion Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks.md) - [Surrealist Beauty Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toiletpaper-magazine.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Runway-Inspired Peel-Off Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-001-artistry-mask.md) - [Travel-Themed Fractured Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baggage-claim-mirrors.md) - [Authentic Ambassador Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-realest-person-on-earth.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md)