[This series began in 2014 and is ongoing.]
The R†BELLE Series is a collection of photographic illustrations featuring individuals in their magnificent presence as legendary heroines, visionaries, social activists, artists, poets, scientists, philosophers, and more. The series supports the broadest, genuinely inclusive, and empowering definition of “woman”, and gives tribute to incredible, historical womyn who had influence; expressed themselves; spoke up; persevered; bore shame; held fierceness; portrayed compassion; exhibited compassion; represented; rose in opposition; resisted oppression; changed the norm; broke barriers; and, shaped and paved the way.
Certainly, courage and strength are resourced in the character of these remarkable womyn. R†BELLE serves to honor their sovereignty, as well as to uplift and strengthen any individual who has experienced the disempowerment of sexism, abuse, sexual violence, male privilege, chauvinism, objectification, manipulation, dominance, and suppression.
The creative concept of the series presents as the frontcover of a fictitious magazine. Each cover is intentionally devoid of text, names or titles for reference, in order to allow the essential impact made by these womyn to speak for itself. Why a magazine cover? Much like familiar magazines which might draw your attention... imagine R†BELLE among them. Spontaneous attraction is fundamental to this contemporary art series. Re-approriated artwork provides familiarity and recognizability to the viewer. Tremendous respect, gratitude, and acknowledgment is given to the artist (if known) of the original photograph/artwork.
R†BELLE was produced to empower and to honor the unsuppressable essence of "Womanhood"-- as expressed in all its identities. It is a celebration of the many notable aspects of The Collective Feminine.