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Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Italian photographer Yossi Loloi’s “Full Beauty” is a series of nudes featuring large women in an effort to “…focus on their fullness and femininity, as a form of protest against discrimination set by media and by today’s society.” I often think about how to shoot various body types with their varied aesthetics and am curious to know how our readers receive Yossi’s work. I’m also trusting that our readers will read Yossi’s philosophy and approach this discussing with a professional and mature attitude. As usual, leave your comments for me, the artist and your fellow readers, below.

Yossi Loloi:
“In my work I portray what larger women represent to me. I focus on their fullness and femininity, as a form of protest against discrimination set by media and by today’s society.
What larger women embody to me is simply a different form of beauty. I believe we own ‘freedom of taste’ and one shouldn’t be reluctant of expressing his inclination towards it. Limiting this freedom is living in a dictatorship of esthetics.
I believe there are several ways to what is perceived as beauty, it is not measurable and has not got a standard size.
I photograph my models nude and serene, to create a comfortable, proud and constructive representation of themselves in front of the viewer.”

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Yossi Loloi:
“My intentions were pretty clear from the first two photos I ever took. I knew I did not have to exploit them or force anything too much. All I was focused on was trying to create the most quiet and intimate, yet contemporary and strong images possible. I knew some viewers might have mixed feelings or even strong reactions to my work but I never took that in during the process. I was concentrated on giving the viewer the opportunity to admire something they rarely get to see.”

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Yossi Loloi:
“It’s a very special moment when someone drops their clothes in front of your eyes; you immediately understand it’s a gift that needs to be treated with the highest of respect. It’s a very strong feeling; it’s not the print, it’s not necessarily the exhibition, it’s that feeling you feel that makes you want to shoot again.”

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Yossi Loloi:
“To me the fact that Full Beauty has been published, exhibited or written about, that’s a major success. Fashion magazine Vogue for instance, has been showing more curvy women in the past years – that was taboo until not long ago. It’s not only the acknowledgement of ‘fat’ as subversive beauty; it’s the realization that simply anyone can be beautiful.”

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Full Bodied Nudes by Yossi Loloi (NSFW)

Read the full interview with Yossi Loloi via [FeatureShoot]

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Seanleephoto
I fully support photographers who find beauty in people of regular, healthy size (and find myself in this category). However, this makes me pretty mad. I find it ridiculous the photographer says not promoting these kind of “full-bodied” women is a type of discrimination. These are not images of “full-bodied” women, they are images of obese women who lead unhealthy lifestyles. This kind of unhealthy lifestyle should never be celebrated or encouraged. I simply don’t understand.
http://twitter.com/jthorpephoto jonathan thorpe
i agree with the above. people often are so quick to say, “this model is too skinny” or “we shouldnt encourage girls to be so skinny” this is the extreme opposite of it. ANY women can be seen as beautiful, but just as the incredibly skinny are ridiculed, the shear unhealthiness of these women can be seen in the same light. As said above, celebrating a full bodied women is fine, celebrating unhealthiness whether extremely skinny or extremely overweight shouldn’t be.
amanduca
I have to agree with Sean completely. There’s a big difference between health full-figured women and these women who are a few years shy of diabetes, heart-disease, hypertension, etc.
http://www.facebook.com/ted.gore Ted Gore
agreed, nothing beautiful about this. Obesity is a huge problem. More so than being too skinny.
bevan
I get annoyed with the constant need for political correctness in the framing of arguments.
“larger women” larger than what? These are not larger women, they are the largest. The largest you can be before not being able to stand up and needing full time medical care.
As an artist you can of course see beauty in rolls of human fat, as you can any texture, like rust.
Some of these images are strangely beautiful, but disturbingly so. This is no comment on “discrimination by media” this is a reminder to stop drinking sweetened beverages.
http://www.facebook.com/steno12 Stefano Druetta
agreed. what a dumb way to talk about a huge problem, showing off the opposite and even BIGGER problem :D
http://www.facebook.com/arturo.mieussens Arturo Mieussens
The first thing I thought when I saw these pics was that although they’re just portraits of women, the most interesting part of this work would be our reaction to it. I’m always amazed at how in the hyper-politically-correct society of today, discrimination against fat people is rarely frown on, as most comments to this post show.
Looking so different to what the healthy-cool-sexy-rich canon dictates is not accepted. But of course, you can have as many unhealthy habits, attitudes, behaviors or disposition, be an asshole at work, a bad parent, partner or family member or harm people around you. As long as you look fit we can celebrate and encourage you.
If you can´t respect these women, accept them for what they are and understand that a person’s image is a very important part of their identity, and that everyone should have the right to be and look themselves, at least shut up and don’t discriminate them for having some unhealthy habits, because probably on many other aspects you could learn a lot from them.
Lester_de_Vere
this is an interesting one.. you have all talked of the physical attributes, look at the subjects faces, they are all very relaxed and have a sense of worth and pride in who they are, not what they physically represent. if they were clothed, we wouldnt be looking at the series, this naked approach commands attention.. albeit not something the majority would find genetically attractive.
I congratulate the author, he is not “promoting” obesity.. he is looking for the character behind the mass and in my opinion has achieved it in a very sensitive way to the subject giving it a graphic approach.
http://www.facebook.com/steno12 Stefano Druetta
you’re right about the graphic approach to nudity, and the way they all show off rather peacefully.
but he’s not promoting obesity the same way fashion industry isn’t promoting anorexia.
c’mon..
one effing botero wash already waaay more than enough.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1282195163 Charles Sanabria-Skaar
I don’t see the beauty either. And I myself can certainly appreciate a full figured, “healthy” woman. I think what would have been more challenging and ultimately a better idea would have been to photograph women who have obviously “lost” their physical appeal but do so in a way that highlights the fact that perhaps, in spite of what’s going on outside, they are beautiful creatures inside. The juxtaposition of “beauty & beast” if you will. It’s cliche sounding perhaps. But perhaps not. And as a photographer, how would you go about capturing or at least constructing the perception of the “inner beauty” for these shots? Could prove to be quite difficult considering the overwhelming attention the bodies get as soon as you look at a photo. To do so successfully though would truly be art. Get people to see these images and somehow, not focus on the size.
http://zsuttonphoto.com/ Zach Sutton Photography
Eh, I take the stance, To each their own.
The photographs are really nice, on a photographer level. However, I do not tpyically find women of that size attractive. But thats art, right? Subjective.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniil-Sosonkin/100000553826482 Daniil Sosonkin
These women are clearly obese. No subjectivity about it.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MW7TGJZXAHVJ6YSLEJNPEYHD3A Casey
great, now i’m cleaning vomit from in between my keyboard keys
http://www.facebook.com/johnpesina John Pesina
Nice work, hate the message this sends. Full figured women being photographed is one thing, but this is just abuse on the human body. Willful neglect and should not be celebrated. Going to the opposite extreme is never the right position to take when trying to get a message out. These women are as unhealthy as their “rail thin” model counterparts and should be epitomized.
http://blog.bradyoshiro.com/ G808
beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my eyes are broken now. as an artist/photographer we can shoot anything and call it art, isn’t the world with live in awesome!
http://twitter.com/MLWadester MWade
Eh, while I don’t support the lifestyle I think it is something that can be appreciated from an artistic standpoint. I’ve never seen work like this before so, in that light, I’m impressed.
http://www.facebook.com/ayola Brooks Ayola
To those who take issue with these because they “promote an unhealthy lifestyle.” Do you take those same issues with all images you see that have people in them doing dangerous things, or is it just easier to say these things about humans who you think look icky?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000013742481 Glenn Marsh
Looks to me like the photographer fulfilled his large size project. Many people will see these images and they may encourage some people to consider eating healthier, whether it was the intent or not of the photographers concept.
Paul Alderete
Not everyone can be as skinny as you all… these women have every right to be photographed as anyone else… that’s like saying oh “families that are fat don’t deserve to have family portraits of themselves since their going to die anyway – why bother?”. These women don’t need your permission to be fat or skinny for that matter… let them be themselves… I bet the lot of you smoke and or drink… same shit… we all love to photograph a beautiful plumb of smoke emanating from a gorgeous woman’s perfectly made up lips… “BRAVO!! OMG AMAZING!! BEAUIFUL!!” nasty attitude you guys… tisk tisk…
http://profiles.google.com/simon.lynchsae Simon Lynch
VERY well executed. Proof? I didn’t vomit.
But in all fairness, they are obese and ignorant about it it seems since they enjoy their “full bodiness”.
the effort to make them “pretty” or at least take out the morbid part out of the subject seems a bit misguided. We don’t see flattering pictures of drug addicts, sex offenders or others for a reason.
They don’t deserve to be encouraged. Fine by me if they want and like to be obese, but don’t portray them as a something good.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=560714012 Matthew Saville Baldon
If he was trying to promote a “healthy image” in protest of discrimination against anyone who isn’t thin as a twig, in my opinion this is an EPIC FAIL. These women are just as unhealthy, if not MORE likely to die early from health problems, than the stereotypical thin woman.
No, if you ask me, this is just softcore porn for guys with BBW fetishes.
Kudos to these women and the photographer for having confidence in their bodies, though. I understand the message “be proud of who you are”….even if that means being proud of being extremely un-healthy.
Robert Simpson
Oh great… fat vs skinny in photography. Here we go again – roll out the trolls!
BTW – I love this series of photos!!
http://www.facebook.com/sunny.kaura.37 Sunny Kaura
Guys, half the art is in the reaction it elicits from the viewer. Yes these are morbidly obese women whose eating disorders have rendered them deathly overweight. It is scary seeing what modern society has created. Us then, as the viewer become part of the art that the photographer knows is going to happen by having this big discussion due to all your different viewpoints, reactions – revulsion, compassion, disgust, sympathy, horror, puzzlement, etc.
Best example I can think of to illustrate this is the sculpture of Paris Hilton where she is laying down with her legs spread eagle. Viewers were able to remove her intestines from the sculpture and examine them. Among a whole host of comments the artist was making was the comment on the public that essentially created her by wanting to know every last little ridiculously vacuous detail about her and what she was doing all the time. Not only is Paris an icon of today’s “it” scene, she is a magnet for all our reactions, our fascination, our envy, disgust, derision, and so on.
http://www.facebook.com/bartvanoverbeeke1 Bart van Overbeeke
Often I don’t read the text with the photos. As I learned in art-academy: saying to much distracts from the images. When I read some comments, I understand again why.
All I saw was a good series, with some stunning images (2,5 & 8)
Let people see the beauty in images, and not focus on what we feel when thinking about the subject.
Really: beauty is everywhere.
http://www.facebook.com/louisdavid.theriault Louis-David Thériault
The same goes for me, I wouldnt encourage this type of living, but there is a true beauty in these pictures. They show us something wich we are not accustomed. very beautifull work here.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=15915653 Mike Newton
I find crowd behavior quite interesting, and feel that it certainly applies in these comments. After reading the post and viewing the images I found them very intriguing, a very different take on beauty and appearance than I’ve ever seen before. In an age where flickr causes a million ‘photo trends’ its nice to see something totally different than usual vs. the ‘a woman in the woods portrait shot wide open at f/1.4 and dreamy photoshop styling’ that is so prevalent for instance.
Back to the crowd behavior. I wonder how many people would have commented differently had the initial few commentors espoused praise and compliments? How many of us would have considered a different demeanor instead of jumping on the bandwagon of slamming the photographers written commentary rather than the technical proficiency or artistis vision of the subject matter itself? I think the photographer did a great job (whether or not you agree with their written commentary) in that it obviously created a reaction. The worst thing as a photographer is when people don’t FEEL something by looking at your work, whether positive or negative. Great photography (like most great things) should be polarizing- you love it or hate it but certainly don’t ignore it.
Congrats to the photographer.
Yossef Loloi Jadid
Thank you Mike Newton! I wouldn’t have replied in here if it wasn’t for what you said.
Some of you forget that I am not a writer and not even a Doctor, I am a PHOTOGRAPHER! If my words were to be more effective than my photography I would have been better off buying a pen instead of a camera! What astonishes me is how most people, sadly many with photography backgrounds, always have the need to criticize before trying to understand what is behind an image…before understanding and dealing with the complexity of our culture. To me taking a photograph, good or bad, is a great responsibility, its a document of our time and not simply an image. With my work I tried to give the random viewer an opportunity to see something different, almost putting him to a test. Its like asking a rhetoric question to someone and just sit back and watch his reaction. Hopefully making him see things differently for that short period of time, although I believe a good photographer leaves to the viewer the opportunity to either step in or not. Its not just about taking a good picture, many can do that, to me its about having a clear reason behind it. Its the reason behind why you do something that often turns it into art its not just doing it in vain. I didn’t take these pictures because I think being fat is healthy, its the complete opposite, BUT I believe there is a beauty in them nonetheless, and if they think of themselves as beautiful women I understand why and so do many men out there that would rather get out of the closet rather than admitting their attraction to bigger women… I’ve met a few. Lets not forget we don’t all like the same things be it a car, a sport or even art.
I could go on and on but, as I mentioned earlier, I am not a writer and especially because I believe I don’t need to try to convince anyone if they cannot see one inch from their own nose! I came on here because to me photography has to be discussed and when there is something to speak about it means the work is interesting. I never liked photographers that hide in their anonymity. Having said all this I appreciate all the people who took the time to speak their mind!
Ciao,
YL
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SCBT2FBL7NQVTWIVPU6PNDPTVQ M
Abuse of the intellect is just as bad. I wonder why you are on the internet then?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SCBT2FBL7NQVTWIVPU6PNDPTVQ M
Because anorexia is a choice, and everyone starts at about 100 pounds,
then slowly gets to 1000 from eating too many pies. WHAT SELFISH
BITCHES!!!!
Really, take a look at yourself in the mirror someday, because you are more ugly than these people can ever be in your failed mind.
http://profile.yahoo.com/4W43KVBAXVOUJU4QLUS66CRBMQ GothicMEOW
These images are raw and real. As a plus size woman and a plus size model I am sick to death of being “represented” in the industry by a bunch of “inbetweenies” (read: size 12-14, perfectly proportioned, cellulite free, photoshopped and the media friendly/society accepted vision of a”non offending” larger woman.)
Photographers tend to (not all) be an incredibly close minded and narrow visioned group of individuals so it’s a breath of fresh air when you find one who wants to represent a different vision of beauty.
There is a growing movement happening to reject the current standards of beauty. This movement is geared to respect and represent all shapes and sizes without shame or prejudice. I would imagine that most people react poorly to such ideas because they simply reject the concept of diversity. Change is difficult to inspire and now a days it seems that if you are a woman, who happens to be fat (there are worst things to be in life, just so you know…) that if your not to be found conventionally attractive or desirable that you are not worth being acknowledged or represented in any way shape or form. Life is too short to mourn a mold I don’t fit into and instead of be brushed under the rug I am proud to be part of the moment and have my voice heard.
Fat shaming is one of the few remaining socially accepted forms of discrimination. Fat trolling is rewarded and glorified by so many people who use the anonymity and lack of accountability that the internet can offer.
The choices we make are ours along and your approval over another persons lifestyle choices are not needed. Opinions or concerns on their “health” is not only none of your concern but not a justification for discrimination or expression of fat phobic tendencies. No one goes up to a stranger and questions their medically history as an avenue of interaction or feedback. Why is this acceptable to do to fat people?
As abrasive and offensive as these images can be to some people, I feel it is yet another step in the right direction. If this offends you or inspires you to ask: What about the children?!?! Why promote diabetes or an unhealthy lifestyle?!? Or god forbid Are they”glorifying” obesity!?!? have the common decency to be respectful of the individual who put their vision out there to inspire thoughtand the models who so bravely presented their bodies as an alternative to the glorification of current and ever shrinking standards. They are people worthy and deserving of respect, not judgement because they don’t provide accommodation for YOUR ideals.
Yossi, if you ever need a model for a similar project I enthusiastically volunteer!
modelmayhem.com/ClassyDame
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
Hello Seanleephoto.
I spent the majority of my life as “under-weight”. I was offered a modeling career. I was very fit, as I did over 240 crunches 4 times a day, and barely ate. My Doctor was concerned about my being so severely under-weight. Since I was put on Medication, for my health conditions, my weight has increased from 110 lbs, to 265lbs+. This was because I chose to be healthy, instead of thin. I want you to know, I have a healthy diet, walk to my appointments (whenever possible), and exercise. I want you to know, Seanleephoto, that I am classified as grossly obese, If you think my health choices, which is taking medication, (which has increased my weight by 2.5X) makes my lifestyle unhealthy, perhaps, you need to be educated in reality. It makes me angry that people, like you seanleephoto, seem to think, the majority of “full figure people” have eaten themselves into their figure. Perhaps if you were not so ignorant, you might consider that the majority of people usually do not a choice to be fat. Instead it is because of various health conditions. Until you are fully educated on REALITY, you should keep your uneducated opinions to yourself… instead of spreading ignorance. shame shame on you Seanleephoto. And as for the rest of you that agree with Seanleephoto, the same goes for you!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
you may want to consider why? Is it a medical condition? Is it because of medications these models are on? People should not judge other people (purely on looks), unless you know the whole situation. I am sure, you Danlil, whos pic does not show even your face, that majority of the people on here, do not want to see your Body, either! Perhaps you should consider that, as you sit on your high horse and judge others!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
when you are brave enough to take off your clothing, and have a professional photographer, who would take pics of you (yeah right)… judging by your personality, we would all be cleaning vomit out of our keyboards, as well.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
I spent the majority of my life as “under-weight”. I was offered a modeling career. I was very fit, as I did over 240 crunches 4 times a day, and barely ate. My Doctor was concerned about my being so severely under-weight. Since I was put on Medication, for my health conditions, my weight has increased from 110 lbs, to 265lbs+. This was because I chose to be healthy, instead of thin. I want you to know, I have a healthy diet, walk to my appointments (whenever possible), and exercise. I want you to know, that I am classified as grossly obese, If you think my health choices, which is taking medication, (which has increased my weight by 2.5X) makes my lifestyle unhealthy, perhaps, you need to be educated in reality. It makes me angry that people, like you, seem to think, the majority of “full figure people” have eaten themselves into their figure. Perhaps if you were not so ignorant, you might consider that the majority of people usually do not a choice to be fat. Instead it is because of various health conditions. Until you are fully educated on REALITY, you should keep your uneducated opinions to yourself… instead of spreading ignorance. shame shame on you. And as for the rest of you
that agree with, the same goes for you!
Judge not lest the be judged.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
Yes the world we live in is awesome. to bad there are condescending judgmental people like you who cannot see beyond their own small world. Perhaps, when you look into to the mirror, and you find perfection there, you can start looking elsewhere and begin to judge others. but I will let you know, perfection is unobtainable. keep looking into your own mirror.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
Amen sista!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712361419 Tonya Pearl
well said m! I did contemplate responding… but your choice of vocabulary, put it right into perspective! WTG M
David Parrott
Actually, there was nothing ignorant about what Sean said. He is completely correct. And from a medical perspective, you (as a woman) are not being healthy by being 265 pounds. Full stop.
Just as being underweight is unhealthy, so too is being overweight. Moreover, while anorexia, bulimia, and other serious eating disorders are very real and very serious, America as a whole is facing far greater issues (as a percentage of population) with obesity. There is nothing ignorant about his having pointed that out.
The only one being ignorant here is you Tonya. Chill with the knee-jerk reactionism and re-read what he said. Then, if you’re capable of such a thing, try articulating a more polite and calm response.
Separate from responding to Tonya, while these shots are well lit and well framed, they strike me as bordering on exploitation of the subjects in the interests of attention for the photographer.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003741472847 Fraulien Ploxmann
Lenord Nemoy did a series of black and white photos of large women and I totally loved it just as I do the photos above. I also find larger woman attractive. I think you all are hating on the big girls…
http://twitter.com/PhilVarlese Phil Varlese
And you know this HOW?????
1. There is no true medical connection between obesity and any of the diseases you mentioned.
2. You do realize that thin people get the same diseases that you mentioned as well, don’t you?
I grow increasingly weary of people who paint other people with a broad brush when they make assumptions and judgments based solely on their own prejudices and lack of knowledge. Contemporary research is showing more and more that fat does not necessarily mean unhealthy, and that the words fat and fit are not mutually exclusive.
Of course, if you’d rather delude yourself into thinking you know more than contemporary research.
http://twitter.com/PhilVarlese Phil Varlese
If most people had stayed on the topic of the quality and aesthetic value of the photographs, I wouldn’t be responding. With that said, I believe that your response David, is the one that is the knee-jerk reactionism.
I assume you are thin. Do you have friends that are thin that live unhealthy lifestyles? I know that I do, as do most.
Do I know unhealthy fat people? Absolutely, but it isn’t my OR YOUR job to judge these people, and their body style. Some people are fat, some are not. Some are healthy, others aren’t.
I know a little about photography, but wouldn’t try to make judgment on the quality of anything I see, since I don’t know enough to make that type of call. By the same token, it’s difficult for me to watch you or anyone else here make comments about how unhealthy being overweight or obese is, without presenting a shred of evidence to support it.
And while I would welcome you (or others who posted here) contacting me so I could refute whatever you think you know, the fact remains that most people would prefer to not attempt to learn more, so that they can continue to support their personal prejudices.
http://twitter.com/davidstephen David S Kalonick
This is Art. It’s funny how people get so bent about someone’s current body of work. Bravo!
Felipe_Paredes
larger than what?… larger than an hippo. seriously, this extreme is as bad as the super skinny.

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