The Century Project

Location: Case Center: Faculty Staff Club

Date: 03/01/2010

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Speaker: Frank Cordelle

Description:
The Century Project is a chronological series of nude portraits of female subjects whose ages span approximately one hundred years. Just as important as the images is the fact that all are accompanied by some often amazing personal statements. The project is inclusive of a variety of parameters besides age: body size and shape, ethnicity, life experience, etc. It is also much more than a simple art exhibit; TCP is a powerful educational and therapeutic experience. While obviously centered on women, it is very important for men to see this as well.

Among the subjects covered by the project itself are body image, eating disorders, cutting, the nudity = pornography "equation," cultural/societal/religious attitudes toward female bodies, media portrayals of women, rape, childhood sexual abuse, male attitudes, plastic surgery, maternity, menstruation, Caesarian sections, breast cancer, obesity, aging, and more. It is very inclusive of different ages, races/cultures/religions, body types, and life experiences.

To date it has been shown almost seventy times on a national basis, most often on college campuses at the invitation of either Women’s Studies faculty, and/or staff therapists. The schools range from the Ivy League to the Bible Belt. It has gotten people into therapy, enabled others to say “no” to breast implants, and in two cases that I am aware of, it has been credited with actually saving the lives of two women. Pretty rarified territory for a photography exhibit.

Is it controversial for some? Of course. Yet it has an undeniable record of having helped an awful lot of people.

I would be happy to answer questions or do an interview. Prior to the opening, it would be best to set up an appointment by email and do it over the phone. Otherwise, we could meet at the exhibit.

fmi: www.thecenturyproject.com

Contact:
Becca Kolins '12
518.580.5240

Attendance Info: While the project is ongoing, 98 of these images/statements were published a couple of years ago in book form: “Bodies & Souls: The Century Project.” That book was very prominently and positively reviewed in Oprah Winfrey’s magazine, among other venues.

Exhibits have been covered in both the on- and off-campus media, as well as by local NPR outlets. It has been on the 6 o’clock news several times as well. The Century Project has never been negatively reviewed.

Tags: gender nudity photography exhibit women's studies