Sophie Harris-Taylor: Epidermis

About

theprintspace Gallery is super thrilled to host Sophie Harris-Taylor's solo exhibition: Epidermis, presented Francesca Maffeo Gallery.

Harris - Taylor shot and interviewed over 20 bare-faced women across the UK with common skin conditions. The resulting ‘beauty’ shoot aims to break down the stigma surrounding skin issues and celebrate diversity.

“I wanted to create a series of work that empowers and allows women to love the skin they’re in, regardless of what condition they have. Suffering from severe acne throughout my teens and 20’s left me incredibly self-conscious and I longed for ‘normal’ skin. Normality is defined by the images we see all around us. We are led to believe all women have perfect flawless skin - they don’t. Whether not shown or simply disguised, many women suffer from conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema, most of these women feel a pressure to hide behind a mask of makeup, covering up what actually makes them unique. Here these beautiful women proudly bare their skin” (Sophie Harris - Taylor).

Shot in the style of a traditional beauty editorial, exploring the juxtaposition of style and subject - something seen in opposition to classical beauty. The series’ intention is as a beauty shoot first, the exploration of the skin is secondary. When it comes to body types we have seen the industry swing one way or another, idealising extremes. Harris - Taylor is concerned by this as there is a risk of fetishisation, with this series, she is motivated to record and celebrate the ‘normal’.