#BAREwithMe No8 w/ Helga Morales
The responsibility of an artist, as an idea evolves, is not to stand in the way like a hardened rock but to grow along with the idea.
What I am most proud of, in the creation of this BARE Collection, is the growth and creativity that have added to the body of work that allows the series to feel fulfilling to a viewer.
Ballet & Dance have always been a unique art form to me, in the sense that the use of the body to create expression is when art becomes most pure.
To give all of yourself as both artist and muse, to both feel and express simultaneously is to personify beauty and the duality of it. As I was editing this set, I was reminded that I have long been hopeful to finally create with a ballet dancer. For years I have wanted to explore the aforementioned duality through visuals, so when Helga and I crossed paths, I knew we would begin to create something beautiful.
A few years back, I first saw the artist JR’s beautiful work with the NY Ballet and I remember being so in awe of the lines these dancers were able to create with their bodies and the expression felt, though simply, through each image. I wanted to channel that energy in the shoot but once we actually got into the studio at the Washington Ballet, most of that plan flew right out the window.
Entering a space of youthful energy and creative abundance, tapping back into the BARE Collection with Helga was nothing less than fun.
As a professional ballerina and artist, watching Helga tap into the essence of her art was inspiring. I liken it to watching a skateboarder or muralist, being able to witness them lock into their zone and get deeper into their comfort zone is captivating. My goal quickly became just to move around her and allow her the space to give it her all.
The way she would want to retry over and over til she felt like she perfected her jumps or stretch into the peak of her movement, I hoped to convey the beauty in it all as we shot. And being that the studio was so spacious, I wanted to not only highlight the depth of the room but the intensity of her movements as well in order for the viewer to understand how difficult it all is.
#BAREwithME has always been more than nudity, the Collection is about expression at it’s purest form.
There are many people that look at the photos and accept them at face value, misinterpreting sensuality as sexual and vulnerability as emotionally shallow. What’s funny is that the convos, the feeling and the experience of BARE has been liberating for all parties involved.
Entering this experience with Helga was much of the same, we first talked about the depth behind the concept and my goal for it as an artist. Once we locked in on an understanding of the series, I knew that for her, I wanted to emulate Kanye’s Yeezus tour model by having her wear all nude. And honestly, one of my favorite parts of the photos is the way her skin tone pops against her clothing in the room.
I’m beyond grateful to have her included in this series, such an accomplished artist of her craft with so much road ahead of her.
Helga Paris Morales of the Washington Ballet
https://www.instagram.com/helga_parismorales/
