Figurative > Bodies of Resistance

Bodies of Resistance was a collaborative art show between photographer Suzanne Shaff, writers Judith Jopp & Maureen McMullen, and painter John Stumme. The show paired Suzanne’s black and white photographs of women of varied ages, shapes, sizes, ethnic and racial backgrounds in their self-chosen and photographer-guided poses of resistance with John’s life-size painted renditions of her images and Judith and Maureen’s written narratives about each woman’s personal story of resistance.

The original concept for this show formed in late 2016 in response to a political and social climate which saw increased attention to verbal and physical assaults on women and their bodies, including their right to make decisions about their own bodies. Of course, stories of resistance and reclaiming personal power are many and varied. This show sought to capture that.

It was important to this project that the images were nude – primarily because it is women’s bodies, literally and figuratively, that are under attack. The strong, powerful, and even calm, serene poses that the models chose counter these attacks. For some, their participation in the project itself was an act of resistance and re-claiming of personal power. And, from a purely artistic perspective, the natural human form, in all its diversity, is beautiful, interesting and powerful to behold, something which the artists wanted to celebrate.

The partners interviewed, photographed, and painted nine women. The experience proved to be profoundly moving and powerful for all involved.

For more information:

Judith Jopp: Joppjude7@comcast.net

John Stumme: johnstumme@gmail.com; www.john-stumme.com; 612-751-2412

Suzanne Shaff: suzanneshaff@gmail.com; shaffphotography.com; 612-280-5191

Maureen McMullen: maureenemcmullen@gmail.com

*Some have inquired about the involvement of a cis male painter in this show. John approachs this work as an ally, as a male who deeply senses and values the feminine within himself, as a gay man who has experienced physical and verbal assaults on his own body, simply for being gay, and as an artist who loves to paint the human form.

About the images above (shared with permission of the models): The paintings, by John Stumme, are from photographs taken by Suzanne Shaff. The images are life-size, painted on mulberry paper adhered to board. The colors and textures are informed by each woman’s story and preferences.