Curtiz - The Beef Sisters 'Ella and May'

Curtiz - The Beef Sisters
Mixed media, Polaroid - Hand signed - unique work - 2023
Original work using unique 16 Polaroid photos and marker.
Including frame (50 x 50 cm).

Kris 'Curtiz' De Meester (°1972) is a Belgium based film director, photographer, casting director and visual artist. He started his career in 1990, taking on different roles with many of the film industry’s finest. Over the decades, he has teamed up with numerous award-winning directors. Such included big names like Lars von Trier, Terence Davies, Thomas Vinterberg, Timo Vuorensola, Wolfgang Becker, Philippe Grandrieux, and Koen Mortier.
 
"The Beef Sisters" is an art photo series that challenges societal perceptions and stereotypes surrounding women. The Polaroid-based series portrays young women in scenes of apparent injury and bloodshed, subverting the conventional narrative of victimhood. Unlike the conventional portrayal of blood-covered women as victims of violence, the subjects in this series exude an aura of strength, agency, and empowerment.
 
Each image captures a moment frozen in time, evoking a powerful sense of intrigue and prompting viewers to question their own preconceived notions. The women depicted in these images are not mere victims; they are the architects of their own narratives, symbolizing a radical shift in the way we perceive female strength and resilience. By challenging the norm and exploring the duality of vulnerability and empowerment, "The Beef Sisters" inspires a reevaluation of societal constructs that have traditionally pigeonholed women into predefined roles.
 
The series engages with the concept of gender identity and societal expectations, urging the audience to reflect on the inherent biases and assumptions ingrained within our collective psyche. Through its bold and unapologetic approach, "The Beef Sisters" invites viewers to see beyond the surface and recognize the complexities that make up the female experience. It prompts us to question the ingrained tendency to assign roles based on gender, ultimately inviting a broader conversation about redefining femininity and embracing the diverse range of human expression.