Initially inspired by representation of the body on social media, the “Wearing Bodies” series, the fantasy of a perfect body comes closer to reality as I try on body parts as articles of clothing.  I carry and put on my body idealized characters, using my hands and other tools to reshape my own body, at times a struggle.  In one photograph, I put on chiseled pectorals and ripped abdominals as if they were a tank top, while at the same time pushing down actual belly flab.

Though this pursuit is driven by the idea that body perfection will also bring happiness, the reality is the opposite, where unattainable goals wear down the psyche.  The title of the series not only highlights the action depicted in the series, but also the wearing down of mental health.  Scrutiny of male bodies in art and in media has intensified during the last decade.  Bodies have been classified, divided, objectified, and subjectified, and their representation has now reached an unattainable state as the urge to have perfect and flawless bodies becomes stronger.

Wearing Bodies: Selfies
digital images, 2016-ongoing, various sizes