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WCU to host "Century" photos of female form
An exhibit of photographs showing females ranging from birth to nearly 100 years old will be on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 7, to Wednesday, April 9, in the multipurpose room of the A.K. Hinds University Center on the campus of Western Carolina University. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
With its desexualized images of nude women of diverse ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities and backgrounds, “The Century Project” offers an alternative to the common cultural representations of women and encourages thought and discussion of subjects including body image, eating disorders, rape and other sexual abuse, birth and maternity, illness, disfigurement and aging. Statements from the models typically accompany the photographs and together they often project courage, strength, humor and joy.
Photographer Frank Cordelle launched the project nearly 25 years ago and accompanies the show as it travels. “There are a lot of questions about the exhibit, and I’m the only one who can really answer them,” Cordelle said. A 2007 book of the photos, called “Bodies and Souls: The Century Project,” will be available at the exhibit. The book's cover is pictured above right.
Campus nutritionist Karen White coordinated “The Century Project” exhibit because of the number of men and women she sees struggling with body image issues.
“In a culture that emphasizes personal appearance and has a narrow definition of beauty, the exhibit celebrates the reality of women’s bodies and experiences,” White said. “For some, it may be the first step toward healing pain. In the very least, it facilitates communication about issues that are difficult to talk about.”
An accompanying free workshop for women, “Body Image/Body Confidence,” led by bodywork and yoga therapist Lisa Sarasohn, will be from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Monday, April 7, in the Catamount Room of the A.K. Hinds University Center. The workshop will focus on breathing, movement and writing.
For more information about “The Century Project,” visit www.thecenturyproject.com. For more information about the exhibit’s visit to WCU, go to www.wcu.edu/studentd/hlthserv/century_project.htm or contact campus nutritionist Karen White at kawhite@wcu.edu or (828) 227-2088.
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Last modified: Wednesday, March 19, 2008