1. To change unrealistic beauty ideals by showing diversity
Through media and the internet, many unrealistic beauty ideals have managed to become socially accepted standards. In addition, women's bodies are regularly sexualised. Every body that is drawn increases the diversity displayed in the gallery. This gives yourself the opportunity to see what different bodies can look like. By showing the diversity and reality of what different bodies look like, The naked pencil and every participant are part of the change of socially accepted standards. It helps us to see and understand that every body is different, beautiful and normal.
2. To improve the relationship with your body and celebrate yourself
Seeing yourself through a mirror is very different from actually holding your portrait. You look at your body from a different angle. You will be amazed to see yourself from this new, never before experienced perspective. This change in perspective will positively change the relationship you have with your body. You will be amazed at how art can change your self-image. You will feel more comfortable, powerful, sexy and proud and you will smile every time you look at the portrait thinking about how amazing you actually look!
3. To create openness by starting conversations about our bodies
Depending on where you want to show your portrait, there will be many thought processes and conversations due to her presence. Even though we live in such a sexualized society, we hardly find the opportunities to talk openly about our feelings, experiences and opinions when it comes to our own bodies. We live, in 2022, in a world where freedom over our own bodies has given way to prudishness. For example, women who breastfeed in public still regularly receive comments. Is it no longer normal to sunbathe topless? And I think the most absurd thing: a platform like Instagram censors women who show their nipples and breasts. That while men are allowed to show their naked bodies in all their glory. That is worrying. Your body portrait is the perfect starter for conversations about these topics. You will be surprised what interesting and surprising topics will come up.
4. For self-awareness and new discoveries
The experience of portraying your body will initiate a process of self-awareness and desire to better understand yourself and your body. Often we see and experience things as we are told, or the way it is culturally accepted, without ever questioning whether these beliefs and ideals are right or wrong for ourselves. Having a body portrait will certainly make you think about your own desires and ideals, and it will be a starting point for new discoveries and a shift in perspective.
5. Just because you can! Why wait longer?
The shortest, but also most powerful reason would simply be: because you can! It's your body, your choice. You are free to choose what you do with your body. Nowadays everything is put under a microscope, looked at and criticized. That while our body is our own, and nobody else's. Perhaps the idea of portraying your body has been haunting you for a while and you would like to try something new. Don't let fear hold you back from what others will say about you. Free yourself from fear. It is so important that you express yourself in the way you want. Don't wait for 'someday', you are good enough now too.
