The fashion industry produces exaggerated photographs in ads to catch the reader's attention while promoting the brand at the same time. Fashion photographers are considered artists, creating spreads for high end designers and creating a story in their ads. Like fashion companies, photographers also want their work noticed by many. They create memorable pieces by thinking outside the box and pushing the limit. However, are they taking their art too far?
TIME magazine published an article discussing a controversial "fashion" photography spread. The photographer, Raj Shetye, published an image spread called The Wrong Turn which consists of a women on a bus being groped by men. It is in reference to a gang rape act in India from 2012 where a 23-year old victim was raped by six men on a bus. The models in the shoot are dressed in high end attire including a ball gown, dress pants, and button downs. The published images created major controversy because of the severity of the crime that the photographer portrays as high fashion.
The victim of the 2012 incident, Nirbhaya's parents spoke out against Shetye stating that, "He has tried to hurt the sentiments of parents and has mocked a girl's struggle. He has no right to play with anyone's sentiments" This statement highlights the negative effects of fashion photography when the spreads incorporate violence, especially against women. Ads and other published images like those of Shetye support rape culture by using it as a means of gaining attention. Just like ads of women objectify and degrade them, ads with domestic violence send similar messages. Additionally, they are insensitive to those who have suffered from these violent acts. Photographers should be cognizant of this and use their artistic abilities to promote change. It would have been more effective and less controversial if the images had a saying or disclaimer raising awareness for the issue, rather than glamorizing it.
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