Endless Reflections by Cristian Quinteros SOTO
Endless Reflections is an artistic initiative that seeks to redefine societal perceptions of fat bodies, celebrating and demonstrating the range of what a fat body can be. Fat body types are not typically represented in mainstream media photography in natural environments. While rooted in creative expression, this project intersects deeply with academic inquiries into body image, media representation, and social norms. The primary aim is not just to present a more nuanced and diverse perspective but to challenge the often narrow, stereotypical portrayals of these bodies prevalent in mainstream media. This project invites audiences of all ages, genders, and sexualities to join in redefining the fat gaze through their participation.
Endless Reflections is a collaborative journey that begins with a conversation between the participant and the artist. This dialogue, which can cover topics such as body image and personal experiences, is the foundation of each session. It's not just about taking photographs; it's about giving the participants a voice and allowing them to shape the artistic process.
The project's core mission is to empower individuals through photography and self-expression. Participants are given the freedom to choose how they are portrayed, even the option to keep their faces hidden. This commitment to inclusivity and comfort is pivotal in creating an environment where individuals feel inspired to embrace their bodies and unique stories. Nudity is central to the project, which aims to authentically represent thick bodies and remove the layers of shame and taboo often associated with them.
Community and connection are not just incidental, they are at the heart of this project. Participants can engage individually or with others, including friends, partners, or groups. This communal aspect is further emphasised through activities like sauna and swimming, which sometimes conclude the sessions. These activities celebrate the body's natural state and foster a strong sense of community and mutual support among participants, making them feel deeply connected and included.
By normalising and celebrating body diversity, the project fosters a deeper understanding and acceptance of bodily variation, promotes genuine dialogue about self-image, bodily autonomy, and body positivity, and aims to dismantle societal stigmas surrounding nudity. That's why it's been an essential aspect that I, as the photographer, also participate in the project by being in photographs and being nude when sauna and swimming and sometimes even the photoshoot. I'm trying to find equality with the participant and, at the same time, feel nature as the participant does; that makes me feel the coolness of the rocks, the dew of the grass and the warmth of the sun.
The project's structure is designed to accommodate various temporal and seasonal contexts. Sessions are conducted at different times of the day and throughout the year, capturing the changing natural landscapes and their impact on the participants' experiences. This temporal and seasonal diversity adds depth to the project, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experiences and the body's relationship with its environment.
This sense of belonging extends beyond the immediate participants, as the project actively engages in the ongoing dialogue about representation and diversity in contemporary art and society.
Words and images by Cristian Quinteros Soto| @cristian.quinterossoto
Quinteros Soto's artistic practice delves into collective experiences. His work often involves seemingly simple actions like cooking and communal bathing, activating the audience’s reflections on their bodies and relationships with others. Through performances and workshops, Quinteros Soto explores how intimate encounters can be sustained, documented, and facilitated in public spaces through various artistic expressions.
