So… Terry Richardson Shot A Diverse Group Of Models For Vice Magazine
Everyone’s favorite perv Terry Richardson shot a racially diverse group of full-figured ladies for Vice magazine’s photo issue, a fact which, in theory, we’re probably supposed to be really happy about. But it’s Terry Richardson. And while he didn’t hit every note in his limited canon, he hit a fair amount of them.
The images are shot against his standard white studio background with his standard blown out lighting. And while we are inclined to applaud Richardson for breaking out of what is presumably his comfort zone of all white, all skinny models, we’re torn on his intentions with this shoot. On paper it’s all there — racial diversity, check! size diversity, check! — but it’s almost as though Richardson is thumbing his nose at his critics, saying Look at this! Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?
The models are shot in the same unflattering light he often uses for his straight-sized subjects and posed in the usual hyper-sexualized positions which, if they weren’t so obviously Richardson’s trademark, would make a great case for the argument that fashion photographers have a serious problem shooting plus size models in anything other than varying states of undress.
But what all of this comes down to is motivation, which is obviously impossible to discern from this side of Richardson’s lens. Is he celebrating these models? Or is he degrading* them? And how much of it is in the eye of the beholder?
One point in Richardson’s favor is the following behind-the-scenes video in which the models look confident, comfortable, and most of all, like they’re having fun. But when someone has the sickening reputation of being a predatory scumbag, it’s hard to give them a free pass — no matter what.
*Update: An astute commenter just pointed out that the name of the spread, “Tons of Fun,” is not only a double entendre but also incredibly offensive.
WATCH:
VICE Tons of Fun Photoshoot from Terry Richardson on Vimeo.
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