“It is certainly not true that there is in the mind of man any universal standards of beauty with respect to the human body.”
–Charles Darwin
Has the concept of beauty become distorted?
There are moments when you can look beyond the surface and see we are all equally different and beauty manifests itself in unique ways. It may be that we are influenced by the media in how we perceive and appreciate beauty but there is a deeper, far richer undercurrent influenced by our natural instincts.
Experts have stated that people find certain qualities such as facial shape and symmetry attractive and there are other evolutionary triggers that are drawing our attention and we may be completely unaware of. Having a symmetrical face is a biological advert which tells potential partners that good genes will be found in the body. Lopsidedness reflects how development in the womb has been caused by poor health and bad DNA.
A button nose, almond eyes, and shapely lips, all perfectly placed in an oval shaped face. This sort of beauty is apparent to all but there are other types of beauty that are concealed and must be carefully unveiled. Laura Callaghan’s illustrations are a clear example of this. Women who look at themselves in the mirror and can pinpoint every curve and dimple, these illustrations are a reminder that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, but lives in their own gaze.
Laura Callaghan focuses on a specific type of feminine beauty that is both alluring and rebellious. Features that are far from being symmetrical but are equally mesmerizing, her subjects exude a rebellious beauty that overpowers the world they inhabit. Her work is hand drawn, using a mixture of watercolor, indian ink, and isograph pen.
Callaghan abstains from demure subjects, and instead, her illustrations are confrontational, loud, and bold. Everything is painstakingly drawn and every detail is perfectly etched. The bright colors glow and are a confirmation to all women that they should feel at home in their own skin. It is your asymmetrical nature and inner strength that make you beautiful.
Laura Callaghan has fun playing with different concepts, and her illustrations are crammed with color and textures. The end result is incredible and is a fun gateway to our personal perception of beauty and strength.
You can see more of her work in: LauraCallaghanIllustration.com
