Written by Sophie Wyatt
While some people see scars as ‘imperfections’, artist Sophie Mayanne is creating images to capture the beauty behind people’s raw selves. Starting in April 2017, the campaign entitled ‘Behind the Scars’ has captured the images and stories of 477 individuals. Sophie intends to reach the mark of 1000 photos in order to complete the project. The photos range from people with medical scars, to ones they’ve been born with or gained through life struggles. But they are all equally encompassed in the projects manifesto that all scars (whether big or small) show love, beauty, defiance and should be celebrated, not hidden. Scars are much more than just damaged skin tissue, they are an entire story.
Sophie encouraged men, women and children of all ages to take part in the project, not only be photographed but to tell the story behind their scar. At only 26 years old, Sophie decided that she wanted to make sure people had an outlet in which they could understand the beauty behind their scars, and be able to embrace them. The series also allows its audience to challenge their perception of themselves in terms of their own levels of self-love.
Sophie explained to us that she had not initially intended for the project to be as big as it has become. ‘Behind The Scars first began as a small editorial shoot, which was inspired by a boy I had met previously with scars. The inspiration for the project grew with each shoot, leading it to where it is today.’
After explaining that ‘No story is more important, or impactful than another – I view each story equally’, Sophie went on to tell us about the emotions she has experienced whilst creating the project. While the project as a whole is deeply moving and thought-provoking, Sophie divulged that much like the stories themselves, each is so unique that unique emotions are connected to every different one. ‘I actually often don’t experience emotions until afterwards – when I am reading through their stories etc. On the day I try to stay as neutral as possible – we are both there to create a photograph, so sometimes the image captures unspoken emotions, as I already have an understanding of the person I am photographing prior to the shoot too.’
‘The emotions the audience feel is very much up to them, and their personal experiences. Simply put, I wanted to tell the stories behind people’s scars – to challenge beauty norms, and my own photographic practice too. The project has gone beyond what I want it to be now – it’s up to the viewer what they wish to take away from the images they see.’
The response to the project has been ‘overwhelmingly positive‘, and as the project has grown more and more people have reached out to Sophie with the desire to be involved and share their stories. ‘People usually find me. Social media has played a large part in this, as I have actively shared the project from it’s early days.’
‘Behind the Scars’ is continuing to build until it reaches it’s goal of 1000 photos and stories. Sophie explained that rather than planning for the next project, she is just enjoying being immersed in the current project while it continues to grow. ‘I don’t know what project will be next for me, and I doubt I will know until this one is finished. I’m not too worried about that though, ideas come when they come sometimes!‘
Check out some of the amazing photos and stories from ‘Behind The Scars’ below, or head over to Sophie’s website to find the whole project.