Armless, Nude, and Sexy as Hell

Alison Lapper’s nude self-portraits, which we discovered last week, continue to amaze and delight us.

Alison Lapper bust

We’re always looking for fine art that also carries a social change message, and Lapper’s work is a prime example. As Laurie did with the photographs of fat nudes, Lapper is asking her audience to look at something which is supposed to be frightening–and someone who is supposed to be pitiable–and to open up how we see so that fear and pity are not the primary responses. She is showcasing the beauty and the power of her armless body, portraying herself both as sexually attractive and as beautiful in the wider sense, as well as powerful.

Alison Lapper smiling

She’s also willing to push all kinds of limits–in the pictures where she’s biting and/or licking her own shoulder, she seems to be sexually playful in an edgy way, and also saying, “Look what I can do!”

biting shoulder

On the other hand, in the pictures with her baby and the colorful disembodied hands, she seems to be saying, “Look what I can’t do.”

purple hand

Whether or not you like the way the hands are presented (and Laurie isn’t sure she does), the statement is vivid. For a disability activist to use her art to showcase what she cannot do is transgressive, and admirable.

<br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Art" rel="tag nofollow">Art</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Body+Image" rel="tag nofollow">Body Image</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Body+Impolitic" rel="tag nofollow"></a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Feminism" rel="tag nofollow">Feminism</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Lapper" rel="tag nofollow">Lapper</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Nudes" rel="tag nofollow">Nudes</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Photography" rel="tag nofollow">Photography</a><br /> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Sculpture" rel="tag nofollow">Sculpture</a><br />

7 thoughts on “Armless, Nude, and Sexy as Hell

  1. i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate seeing such beautiful, tasteful images as your women en large photos and these by alison lapper. i am currently doing research for a paper that i am writing for an upcoming exhibit of my own, and tumbled upon your fabulous site, i’ll be sure to refer others onto it.
    cara

  2. I recently visited England to celebrate the birth of my son’s first child, my third grandchild. To view the stunningly beautiful statue of Allison Lapper in Trafalgar Square was an additional blessing in this journey to celebrate life. I am heartfully moved by this wonderful work of art and by the courageous spirit of the artist & the subject. Kudos to London for celebrating diversity.
    Namaste’ to all.
    Kathleen

  3. Kathleen,

    Next time I’m in London (probably not that soon) it’s my first stop!

    I know that the photos only give a glimpse of what it’s like.

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