Human Dilatations at Roger Weiss

©Roger Weiss

By Karolina Sotomayor

What happens when the female body is devoid of the concern for perfection, when it’s finally free from the pressure of reaching the high standards of beauty it has been confined to?

These are the questions that have inspired the works of Swiss artist and fashion photographer Roger Weiss. “Human Dilatations” is not just a series of nude female bodies, it moves beyond the physicality of beauty into the essence of femininity as a whole and what it stands for in a contemporary context.  

The series is particularly interesting considering that the male gaze has been highly criticized for having the strongest and often only voice in defining female beauty in art throughout history. Weiss, however, uses his masculinity as an opportunity to pursue a deeper understanding of the female body detached from the stereotypes that define beauty in today’s world.

The images present seemingly otherworldly women, with large feet and hands. Gigantic bodies stand strong, almost undefeatable yet they still emanate a softness and airiness that characterizes femininity. The idea that women are fragile beings is completely disregarded by the photographer to the point where the slightest grime and scratch is only an indicator of the humanity women are often encouraged to cover up. It is the imperfections, therefore, that make every woman portrayed by Weiss unique. In their own nudity, Weiss’ subjects seem to have found an identity that allows them and us, in equal measure, to overcome the obstacles of being a woman today. 

Images courtesy of ©Roger Weiss, "Human Dilatations"