My Model Body interactive art installation in Chicano Park, San Diego, California

My Model Body

The humorously critical project offers people an opportunity to compare themselves to the supermodel silhouette: face to face in the imaginary impression of a mirror, or at real physical scale.
The idea was born out of a serious concern with the negative body image and eating disorders created by the fashion industry: our social obsession with impossibly thin ideals which fall short of the medically recommended and healthy BMI.

Art Installation

Chicano Park, San Diego, CA

For

Figment San Diego

MATERIALS + DIMENSIONS

Outdoor grade wood (marine grade plywood, MDX, redwood), steel, plexiglass, spray paint
9 pieces, 7′ tall in a 25′ x 25′ area

Media

In news segment, KUSI San Diego, 4/2013
women comparing themselves in mirror to model silhouette
The humorously critical project offers people an opportunity to compare themselves to the supermodel silhouette: face to face in the imaginary impression of a mirror, or at real physical scale.
sensuously starved - zoom in on sarcastic art installation text
women comparing themselves to model cut-out silhouette
man comparing himself in mirror to model silhouette
The installation is organized so that it is spatially interactive. For this reason, and to increase complexity, the figures are painted different colors on different sides.
The idea was born out of a serious concern with the negative body image and eating disorders created by the fashion industry: our social obsession with impossibly thin ideals which fall short of the medically recommended and healthy BMI.
gorgeously underfed - zoom in on sarcastic art installation text
tall and thin young lady fitting perfectly in model cut-out silhouette, laughing with dwarf girl friend
little boy climbing inside model cut-out silhouette
The supports are specifically designed to enable people to get close to the silhouettes. People naturally started comparing themselves to the forms without any directive or information on the project.
The installation is organized so that it is spatially interactive. For this reason, and to increase complexity, the figures are painted different colors on different sides.
young lady comparing herself in mirror to model silhouette
breathtakingly bony - zoom in on sarcastic art installation text
Sarcastic text added another layer of criticism and humor, stirring up curiosity as people walked around this maze of bodies to see what is written on each piece and side.
The supports are specifically designed to enable people to get close to the silhouettes. People naturally started comparing themselves to the forms without any directive or information on the project.
mirror for comparison to model silhouette
little kid playing hide-n-seek in model cut-out silhouette
older lady comparing herself to model cut-out silhouette
mirror for comparison to model silhouette
Sarcastic text added another layer of criticism and humor, stirring up curiosity as people walked around this maze of bodies to see what is written on each piece and side.
alluringly anorexic - zoom in on sarcastic art installation text
girl comparing herself to model silhouette
little girl playing inside model cut-out silhouette
little girl comparing herself in mirror to model silhouette
couple comparing themselves back to back to model silhouette

Work/Credits

Design & Photos: Ioana Urma. Engineering Check: Radu Urma. Fabrication: Ioana Urma, with help from Zach Hoevet (CNC router + laser-cutting), & Ramcast (cutting steel plates). Installation: Ioana Urma, Priscilla Chung, & Figment volunteers.