By Fleur Ish

Bodies. We’ve all got them. They are as different as snowflakes; more substantial but equally flawless. Buried beneath the layers of Patagonia and the rigid dictations of glossy magazines, it is easy to forget the strength of a limb, the contour of a hip.The student photo exhibit “Exposure,” the newest incarnation of the nude photo project “Corpus,” focuses on the reality of our imperfections and their beauty. Bowdoin is a microcosm of a world that demands lofty accomplishments and has high standards of perfection. It is easy to critique, complain and to forget our bodily individuality that makes us who we are. A quick scan of the campus reveals a field of trim, sculpted bodies. A closer look exposes a plethora of beauty, insecurity and fear.

Varieties of self-criticism and insecurity are almost as myriad as body types. We pinch and prod, suck-in, bind, hide, sigh. “Exposure” hopes to magnify the inherent in our splendor bodies. The photographers have chosen a variety of projects that put the complex, universal quality of life in a body into perspective. These projects cast an expository light on the images we are accustomed to in pop culture; thetrimming of a waist or enhancement of the pecs. “Exposure” reminds us of the unique expression of a weighty thigh, the imbalanced dangle of a woman’s breasts; it documents the curves, muscles, lines and dimples of men and women. If you can settle into your body, your mind is freed.

“Exposure” aims to make you confront your sensibilities and alter your prejudices. It hopes to push you to relish what was once a terrifying dream of ending up in class in nothing but your birthday suit.