August 2018 - May 2020
SEND NUDES are paintings of nude “selfie” photographs sent by young women through Instagram, @byboulukos who wish to be painted. To date, over 80 women have chosen to participate, some sending multiple photos of themselves, and around 50 pieces of work have been created. This project includes many different painting mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and digital painting.When participating, along with the photograph I ask for the answer to the question:
"Why did you choose to participate in this project?"
That answer becomes the title for these pieces, and is displayed alongside it, either on a plaque or painted on canvas or wood.
I believe it is important for women to be confident in themselves, and have the right to do what they want with their bodies. In a time of #metoo and Trump politics, I believe it is important for women remember that their bodies are their own, and have the right to portray themselves however they want. Taking nude photographs of oneself is becoming more common among younger generations and is a form of expression. I accept and encourage women to express themselves freely with their bodies through my work. These women have the opportunity to become a piece of art and, I hope, feel good about themselves. This project attempts to look at nudes in a more contemporary way, through the female gaze.
I accept all images; however a women chooses to pose and photograph themselves is up to them.
This project ended May 2020.
If you are interested please go to Take More Nudes to find out more.
Oil Paintings on Wood
Summer 2020
Oil Paintings on Wood, Canvas and Glass/Plexiglass
Fall 2019
Digital Sketches
Fall 2019
Black and White Digital Sketches
Fall 2019
International Women's Day 2019
Social Posts
Digital Sketches
Spring 2019
Mouse over images below to see quotes.
"I used to have this idea that women should not promote themselves but wait to be recognized. But that recognition, especially towards female bodies, usually comes in the form of criticism and objectification. Nudes are a way of reminding myself that there is nothing shameful in promoting what is beautiful about you. And maybe more importantly, nudes are a reminder that what is beautiful about you is up to you."
"It's me!"
"I did it because this project is really cool, and I was eager to help"
"I chose to participate to celebrate bodies."
"I chose to participate bc i think your project subverts the objectification of the femxle nude and empowers womxn to reclaim their sexuality”
"some days i love my body and some days i really fucking hate it, so i wanted to participate to celebrate the good days - the days that i feel the best and the most like myself."
“I loved the name of the project to be honest, “send nudes’ ”
"I wanted to participate because I feel that too often in media women’s bodies are portrayed as highly sexualized or kind of taboo to fully show, but this project embraces all sorts of female body types and is really powerful and empowering to be a part of"
"I chose to participate because I think it’s crucial that we celebrate women’s bodies and embrace the act of self-love. Nudity is art. Our bodies are art. Appreciate every roll, scar, and imperfection because it’s what makes you, YOU!"
"I wanted to put myself in a vulnerable position (ive never taken a nude!!) because in this context my nude is being used for the sake of female empowerment and while nudes are not always looked on upon as empowering, this project is changing that view.. and I think that’s awesome"
"After my breast reduction, scars took on a new meaning. Instead of a representation of the pain in the past, they are now reminders if what I am willing to do to heal. Soon they’ll be gone, and I’ll miss them. I wanted them to be immortalized in a way that showed how beautiful they can be."
"Because everyone should love their boobies!!"
" I have been slowly becoming more comfortable with my body, and I also, seeing the beauty in everybody else’s body. I saw your project and loved your approach to the female form. I wanted to see what you could do with my nudes...haha"
" I love love love this project, and your paintings are absolutely gorgeous. I decided to #sendnudes because I am currently struggling with body image and disordered eating. I have a hard time accepting my body, and I am really unhappy with how I look. I hope that seeing my body painted will prove to me that I am beautiful, no matter the size of my tummy."
Oil on Wood
Fall 2018
