A Known Beauty: Models-Turned-Artists Challenge Beauty Privilege

Abstract

This article explores cultural assumptions about beauty’s inherent privileges through art created by three former high-fashion models who challenge beauty’s perceived privilege through allegorical self-portraiture. Approaching the issue as professionals who are aware of benefiting from and being judged on the basis of their physical appearance, they critically engage their identities as known beauties to challenge what is known about beauty.

Keywords:

• fashion models
• contemporary art
• lookism
• feminism
• self-portraiture

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ana Finel Honigman

In addition to holding a D.Phil in History of Art from Oxford University, Ana Finel Honigman writes about fashion and contemporary art for publications including Artforum, Art in America, British Vogue, Art Journal, Frieze, Guardian Unlimited, Style.com, W and New York Times’ Style section. Dr. Finel Honigman is the founder and director of the Arts Writers Agency, based in Berlin. [email protected]