One photography exhibition is pushing the boundaries of beauty with its series of striking women with disabilities.
In a move that is meant to empower them, the Raw Beauty NYC photography project is giving women in wheelchairs the opportunity to model in a sensual and sexy way to change perceptions and transform stereotypes.
One of the people bringing Raw to life is Wendy Crawford, 49, whose career as a model was changed forever after a car accident left her a quadriplegic at age 19.
“One of the things that really excites me about the raw beauty project is that it turns the traditional sense of beauty upside down,” said Crawford.
“[The subjects] become empowered by it, and realise there are so many other things they can do.”
Tapping into a world that is not often seen in mainstream media these women are proving that beauty is so much more than skin deep.
The photographs were unveiled at ACA Galleries in September with all proceeds from the event going to the Reeve Foundation in a bid to find a cure for spinal injury.
Wendy Crawford, 49, is one of the models helping bring Raw to life. “One of the things that really excites me about the raw beauty project is that it turns the traditional sense of beauty upside down,” said Crawford.
Raw model, Amiee Hoffman: “Instead of being ashamed of my disability, I am learning to own it and today have the strongest sense of self – Ever.” PHOTO: Facebook.
Raw model Andrea Dalzell: “I’m a rebel: My simple definition, what it means; It means being a visionary and seeing the big picture. Being an educator when being a bystander could be much easier. Being recognized as an inspiration by my actions, not by default.” PHOTO: Facebook.
Raw model, Angela Rockwood: “Beauty. Sensuality. Empowerment. Words have power to both heal and destroy.” PHOTO: Facebook.
Raw model, Carlana Stone: “I have overcome an abusive relationship, became the first wheelchair-bound TV reporter for an ABC affiliate in Miami, I ride motorcycles, fly planes, and I use my wheelchair as less of a restraint and more of a force in my life.People often refer to me as a ‘breath of fresh air’… though admittedly, I’m probably more like a tornado that barrels through town, leaving everyone slightly breathless”. PHOTO: Facebook.
Raw model, Kitty Lunn: “I was a professional dancer prior to acquiring my disability and I have found that the dancer inside me, the thing that made me want to become a dancer in the first place doesn’t care that I use a wheelchair. She just wanted to find a way to keep dancing and was kind enough to wait for me to catch up with her.” PHOTO: Facebook.
All of these women are transforming stereotypes and creating new perceptions of people living with a disability. PHOTO: Facebook.
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