Introduction
Taking inspiration from renaissance painting, Julia Fullerton-Batten examines the
role of the human figure and its objectification in contemporary media. For this
series, Fullerton-Batten selected full figured subjects, those that contemporary
media, and society would deem "fat" and considered undesirable as models and spokespersons
in contemporary advertising.
Fullerton-Batten places each subject into a contemporary still life environment
drawn from a period in historical painting when the fuller figure was considered
true to life and desirable. She infuses irregularities: broken pearls, wilted flowers,
rotting fruit and a decaying domestic setting to create tension. Her subjects are
carefully positioned and beautifully lit as a reference to historical painting,
but are still oddly contemporary.
Her subjects appear comfortable, without shame or inhibition, however we as a society,
influenced and manipulated are lead to believe that these people must not be comfortable
in their own skin. This fuels a deeper subtext that we, as visual consumers must
understand and discern: reality vs. truth in advertising.
These images are instrumental in Fullerton-Batten's pursuit of understanding the
role of the human form and the unrealistic importance society gives it. Fullerton-Batten
is one of London's most sought after contemporary advertising photographers. Her
visual exploration and the personal relationships she develops with the people
she chose as her subjects direct each image and reinforce her conviction in the
power of humanity.
