By Wendy Faunce
Hana Pesut, a photographer born
and raised in Vancouver, BC, began her portrait series titled “Switcheroo”
nearly two years ago. Since then, she has taken
hundreds of pictures around the globe and published a photo book describing the
process.
To participate in “Switcheroo,”
couples are required to take two pictures. The first is a simple couple photo.
The second is a photo in which the man and woman exchange clothes and mimic
each other’s previous stance. The result is more often than not a woman
power-stancing in a suit and a man balancing in heals and a dress.
“I think the project shows how far we've come
in regards to what is acceptable for men and women to wear,” says Pesut. “[N]ow
it seems that almost anything goes.” However, she does not want to assign a
specific meaning or gender issue to the series. “I still enjoy just hearing
everyone's own interpretations rather than putting an idea out there of what I
think it should be.”
That is the beauty of this portrait series. It may be
interpreted as a project criticizing gender politics, stereotypes, and the
changing boundaries of social norms within society. It also may be enjoyed as a
simple and quirky way for couples to reach a further understanding of each
other. What is your interpretation?
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