Jay

This series explores bodybuilding as a form of self-expression, challenging gender norms. Through Jay, a female bodybuilder, it captures the contrast between power and grace, questioning societal ideals while celebrating identity and resilience.

In 2022, I began exploring the concept of hypermasculinity in the bodybuilding world, where social codes are pushed to the extreme, challenging gender stereotypes. I was nourished by a personal interest in the subject and its discourse, immediately connected to my own personal story and life experiences towards gender expectations. Observing bodybuilding, I analyzed how male aesthetics are exaggerated, reinforcing an intense vision of hypermasculinity.

Working closely with bodybuilders, I delved into the relationship between body and identity. More than a sport, bodybuilding is a lifelong project where discipline, aesthetics, and psychological endurance intertwine. The body’s construction becomes an expressive language, akin to an artist’s relationship with their work. It is a form of self-expression that extends beyond physical appearance, embodying personal narratives and aspirations. For this reason, I expanded my casting to include individuals—beyond cisgender men—who engage with bodybuilding and explore themes of body perception, identity, and self-representation.

This approach led me to Jay, a female bodybuilder based in Switzerland, whose life and work challenge conventional ideals of womanhood, beauty and gender. Through her practice, she blends elements traditionally associated with masculinity and femininity, redefining strength as a personal and fluid expression that resists fixed norms.

Each frame of this photographic series captures the juxtaposition of her muscular physique with moments of softness and grace, offering a nuanced view of her identity and dedication. Through sculptural poses and meticulously crafted compositions, the series highlights the tension and harmony between power and vulnerability, tradition and rebellion.

Jay’s body becomes both a canvas and a statement, inviting the audience to question societal norms while celebrating her unique artistry and perseverance. This series is a tribute to individuality and the courage to embody one’s truth.