Redefining Beauty
Conventions of beauty change, as evidence in Renaissance paintings that depict generous bellies and undulating curves as the quintessence of elegance. Over the past decade we have seen a 200% increase in cosmetic plastic surgery, and nearly a third of children aged 5 to 6 in the US select an ideal body size that is thinner than their current perceived size. By age 7, one in four children has engaged in some kind of dieting behavior, according to a report published in 2018. This study also found that between 1999 and 2006, hospitalizations for eating disorders in the US spiked 119% among children under age 12. Over the course of the last 50-plus years, the American ideal has shifted from curvy to androgynous to muscular and everything in between, and as these ideals change, they are reflected and reinforced in the culture through media -- whether it’s fine art or advertising billboards or music videos, they can still influence the body image of young people.
As a society, we have become more aware of the need and the value of diversity from body shape to cultural and gender representation. Last year, the reality show Project Runway, included models ranging from size 0 to 22 from all cultural backgrounds for the first time in its history. I think it is safe to say there are more people of color in positions of cultural visibility across a wider range of platforms than ever before. That trend appears to correlate with the use of social media, where diverse types are represented by everyday users online.
What’s more, with the advent of social media, we are able to set our own bars, start our own trends and flaunt our own ideas of and experiments in beauty. And even if today we are enthralled by whatever is touted as the next trend, we tend not to forget where beauty really lies: on the inside. It’s cliche, but it’s also true, and that beauty doesn’t come and go, it grows. In Redefining Beauty, photographer Caty Gainer, explores what these local Utahns find beautiful, in themselves and in others.
Words: Heidi M. Gress
Photography: Caty Gainer
“Beauty is something that makes someone stand out. Something that other people don’t have, something you don’t usually see.” - Apio -
“Beauty is more than physical. If someone’s good looking, it’s whatever to me. If you’re kind, you’re beautiful.” - Manuela -
“Everyone is beautiful in their own way. But confidence is very important. If you’re confident, others with see that.” - Rebecca -
“When someone is being 100% their true self, that’s beautiful. How people carry themselves and translate that from inside to outside. Simply being proud of yourself, no shame.” - Liana -
“I was very insecure for years. Someone who is quiet and reserved can be just as beautiful as someone who is outgoing.” - Cera -
“I like to look like I just stepped off of a spacecraft. Just clocked out of my job as the head navigator on the main deck, coming back to earth..” - Olivia -
“I love when people can own both their strengths and weaknesses and just be raw with themselves. Because everybody can be honest, they don’t need to hide.” - Miranda -
“Beauty is just human. The cool thing about being human is that we are all different, if you believe in God, he put in a lot of thought in making everyone unique, even subtly. Everything is worth something, and that’s gorgeous to me. - Michael -
“I definitely like something that catches you, something different, that pulls in your attention.” - Kemp -
“Personality wise, I like people who are compassionate and have open hearts. Aesthetically, I’m drawn to weird shit.” - Fubuki -
“The most intriguing thing about other people is how they can use their physical and tangible appearance to manifest their true self.” - Channer -
“I define beauty in comfort with yourself and who you are as a person and how you are with other people. No one chose to have their face, so it’s important to have beauty come from your actions and expression in the world.” - Tatiana -
“I am drawn to an individual that sees beauty in themselves, and doesn’t allow the need for validation by others to take over. We hold power in our own beauty. Beauty is all about power for me.” - Ermiya -
“I like seeing people’s little habits. How they think, how they see things, and how they perceive the world.” - Billy -
“I always tell people I’m better in person. My style is basically a bunch of old styles thrown together. I couldn’t afford a lot so I tried to recreate things I saw. I like to know people’s personal stories, and how it affects their look.” - Mod -
“I define beauty as 100% unconditional love for yourself and others. Beauty doesn’t have to be the physical self, but passion for what you do and the world around you and how you make an impact.” - Sophia -
“Beauty is just energy. Someone could be the most aesthetically beautiful person, but there could be no spark. Then it could be the complete opposite and they radiate energy and beauty.” - Schuyler -
“My hair is very important because I’m native Dine (Navajo) and Mexican and I embrace both backgrounds. Sometimes there are issues because historically Navajo’s enslaved Mexicans and used to steal Mexican women. People expect me to be one way or the other, especially when I am working in the Navajo community. I’m very proud of my hair and I no longer straighten my it to look more native or white., I want to embrace who I am..” - Cassandra -
“Genuineness is beautiful.”- Mateo -
“I like to hear about people’s backgrounds. How they were raised, where they were raised, what they believe in. Their cultural background and traditions they grew up with, I find that most interesting. When I think of beauty, It’s all in the person’s spirit, kindness, love.”- Anastasia -