MannequinPhotographs by Todd Smith

G. Alden Smith, Chicago (c.1936)

Mannequin

Photographs by Todd Smith

One of the things I like about photography for its own sake is the fact that I don’t have to rationalize my instincts. I am either drawn to a subject or not and more often than not I have no conscious idea why. Mannequins have intrigued me as a subject for many years. I suspect it has something to do with their strong graphic impact exemplified by their supra-human nature. Although they were usually created to be someone’s representation of the womanly ideal, the result is often a strange and visually arresting parody of feminine beauty. I’ve taken a few liberties here in my choices –the following photographs are not all strictly speaking mannequins. But that’s what I like about book designing for it’s own sake. There are no rules.

Todd SmithAsheville, NC 2013