The power of art can be incredible, especially in the form of positive imagery.
Brazilian photographer Bruna Lacerda aims to use her latest project to do just that, with an photo exhibition that is open to the public in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Lacerda’s “I Choose Me Project” is a photographic collection featuring 19 portraits of women that deconstructs the concept of what is “plus-size” by overcoming media self-proclaimed standards while radiating their confidence through their body and soul.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXnw65ZF2q8/?taken-by=brunalacerda
The exhibition explores the shifting discourse surrounding women and their relationship with their bodies, emphasizing that your attitude towards your own beauty is key to being confident.
This is her way of celebrating the power of a woman’s self-esteem and promoting self-acceptance and we are loving it. If you’re in the tri-state area, this exhibition is a must-see.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BX_33cNFotS/?taken-by=brunalacerda
With this exhibition, Lacerda wants you to reflect on the effects of judgments and opinions of others on your own happiness, especially when you ignore them to genuinely become what you truly are.
She states:
“It always makes me very happy to show someone how beautiful they are and how confident they can be through my photography.”
Through her lens, Bruna captures what she believes is the most perfect version of the woman that people want to see.
“During this personal and very intimate series, I invited these women to look and appreciate themselves on the inside first, so they can feel stronger on the outside. Their life stories inspired me to continue spreading my message while showing the value of their real beauty. The objective of the ‘I Choose Me’ Project is to empower women to make a difference in their communities and to stop letting society dictate how you and your body are supposed to exist in this world; because at the end of the day, we are all humans and we are all beautiful.”
We spy some familiar faces in the exhibition such as plus models Desiree Jenkins, Frankie Tavares, Jenna Rusnak and Ana Laura as well as blogger Veronica of Vero I Am.
Part of the money raised during the exhibition will be donated to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The exhibition is currently open through August 31st, Monday through Friday from 12 – 8pm and weekends from 2 -6pm at:
Mason Civic League Gallery
1200 Washington Street, Suite 1
Hoboken, New Jersey
You can find out more about Bruna Lacerda at www.brunalacerda.com.