Laureen Griffin

DEFINE YOUR BEAUTY - Beauty Revisited is an extension of The Gender Portraiture Project bringing together photographic portraits with personal narrative into the context of American material culture and power. I ask participants: “How do you define your own sense of beauty? When you look inside yourself who do you see?” My work confronts society’s displacement of female identity. I am looking to open up possibilities of being. To discover how dominant societal expectations rule our gender. My goal is to have a critical mass of portraits reflecting gender variations and to show how birth, class, family, country of origin and ancestry, personal taste, body type, age and whatever other qualifiers are placed on us affect us. “Gender variations” does not necessarily mean trans, but can also be one’s interpretation of what is feminine or masculine. To think about times when we were awarded or punished in relation to our “appropriate” gender-like behaviors or looks.

In my studio, located in Stenton Guild, (4232-36 Stenton Ave, in the Germantown area of Philadelphia, PA), I have set up a portrait photography studio where people come in to talk about gender and have their portraits taken. I invite the public to share personal stories of gender stereotyping and be photographed. You can pose in your street clothes, an outfit from your personal collection, or we can work together to conceive of the ideal costume.

Stories told by participants are about being stereotyped. What is appropriate behavior in relation to perceived gender? How should we look? What are the expectations depending on class, ethnic heritage, and family background?

Instead of relying on clues relating to dress, one may choose to explore the physical body relating to gender expectations. For many of us attaining the “perfect” body is a symbol for the ultimate gender self. Many struggle with disfiguration and some accentuate what nature gave us. Others make do with what they have. As an artist, I am also looking for people interested in body critique - making commentary on the gender body.

Please email the artist, Laureen Griffin, if you are interested in participating.

Please come check out EMMA’s Parlour in  University City Arts League - Meet the artists during our Opening Reception, Friday Sept. 11th, 5-7PM or email Laureen for information about having your Gender Portrait taken in the Parlour.

POSTCARD DOWNLOAD

Thomas as scene as most kool & comfortable

Challenging family expectations…

Ellen owns a health and beauty salon where she gives beautiful precision haircuts and styles.

Sunday, Jake and I met for a photoshoot - I printed them on Hahnemuhle photo rag bright white and the reds came out luscious… Come to AIRSPACE and see - they are framed and displayed on the fireplace mantle.

Thank you Tami Fertig for adding my project last minute!

Tami wrties: “Laureen Griffin wants to take your picture. Not only that. She wants to have a conversation about gender norms and stereotypes while setting up the shot. As part of her ongoing “Gender Portraiture Project,” Griffin — AIRSPACE’s current 40th Street artist in residence — has created a temporary photography studio at the West Philly gallery, and is inviting you to stop in, pose and chat. more…

An introduction to the
Gender Portraiture Project
Recent works by Laureen Griffin

October 9 - November 2, 2007
Opening reception: Friday, October 12, 5 - 8 pm

AIRSPACE, 40th Street Artist-in-Residence
4013 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

New Gallery hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 10 am - 2 pm; Friday, 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday, 1 - 5 pm.

mad as hell…

Martina and I set up a test shot. I wanted to check the lighting, etc. I am using these fabulous strobe lights donated to the project by a good friend in combination with tungsten fill lights set up to create a low level ambiance. When we began, Martina stood still, so I could make sure the camera was in focus. With the ambient lighting at such a low level, I was afraid the camera could not auto focus. Then I suggested moving, punching, boxing - put the camera in auto focus and YES - the shots were mostly in focus. I bought an Olympus E500 and I love it for the most part - except I am used to the hairline in my Canon AE-1 so focusing always seems to be a concern. I am told that upgrading to a better lens helps… so far I make do.