“Our differences are what make us the same”

Wednesday 03 November 2021

Guernsey Mind has launched a campaign to tackle the stigma around body image. The campaign is being run in partnership with Guernsey Arts and local artist Aimee Le Prevost.

The public is asked to get involved with the ‘All of Me’ exhibition, which will be displayed at Health Connections' market shop later this year.

Guernsey Mind and Ms Le Prevost will set up a photo-shoot on 7 November in the Jackson Chambers Photography Studio. They will capture black and white stills of different people’s bodies.

‘We welcome anyone over the age of 16 to come along and have their photo taken,” said Maddy Diligent of Guernsey Mind.

“The space will be totally private and anonymous. Our hope is to have as many people as possible come to really show that in fact we are all different but very much the same. Same insecurities, same worries and fears, same beautiful bodies.”

Ms Le Prevost was introduced to Guernsey Mind by Russ Fossey of Guernsey Arts after he was moved by a project she completed at the College of Further Education (now the Guernsey Institute) called ‘F**k Body Standards’.

“Aimee created a website on which she shot and produced a short film which we found incredibly moving and features a young lady called Niamh who has been honest and brave in talking about body standards,” said Mr Fossey.

“I found this piece incredibly hard hitting and moving. Aimee was keen for her work to be seen by a wider audience to help start conversations around body image and how we view our differences, so we approached Guernsey Mind to see if we could collaborate on something to involve all of our community.”

Pictured: Mr Fossey is the head of art development with Guernsey Arts. 

The studio will be open to anyone over the age of 16 who would like to get involved. Please email maddy.diligent@guernseymind.org.gg to book a slot.

“When I was asked to do this project, I knew it would be a great opportunity to continue to raise awareness and start discussions on this topic,” said Ms Le Prevost.

“It would be great to see you at the studio to be photographed. It is time to stand up to today’s body standards, together.”