“the modern venus” by Layla Simons

Dec 8

These are just a few things that I considered during the shoot and the photo etching process for The Modern Venus.

I wanted to focus on how we perceive and treat larger bodies. The shoot itself felt like the final thing I needed for my own self-acceptance.

I was heavily inspired by renaissance paintings and ancient sculptures, particularly the ‘Venus De Milo’ sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch. I wanted to know how it would feel if I made myself into it, to be one of the artworks I have admired for so long. So, I grabbed my bedsheet, styled my mullet, and made my way to the studios.

The shoot had a modern twist with my hair, makeup, and tattoos – which I loved. An important note is that the tattoo on my ribs says, ‘Fuck the patriarchy.’ Which says all it needs to!

‘Enlightening.’ ‘Brave.’ ‘Controversial.’ These are words that have been used to describe my project over time. I wonder if these words would be chosen if I was thin.

This shoot helped me to complete the challenge of accepting myself. I’m so grateful I did it.

When viewing your body, do you view it as a casing rather than a home?

Is it just a physical structure built with a foundation of flesh?

Is it a safe space? A place where your mind and soul recline and put their feet up?.

Is it a temple? A sacred place. One for you to worship yourself?

There is a hypocrisy to worshipping another human being before you honour yourself. The slightest mark, wound or scar sending your brain into overdrive.

There is a longing to be textbook perfect: the soft skin, the ‘right’ proportions, the long, flowing hair.

There is a longing to feel satisfied when you look in the mirror. To be perceived as okay by others, before thinking about what would please you.

I have always been a larger lady. Hell, I am 6’2 and weigh the best part of 21 stone. I stand out in a crowd, no matter what I do. I am big both ways, and there is no hiding it. It took me a long time to be comfortable and okay with it all, but once I accepted it, many exciting doors opened.