The Midwest Broken Mirror Project
The Midwest Broken Mirror Project is a photo/video series of body image stories. The series explores how our culture, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, trauma, and abilities affect how we feel about bodies, our own, and others. Our mission is to connect and inspire people to share their experiences and feel empowered by our collective differences — to “see bodies differently.” We envision a world where the identities our bodies hold are no longer seen through a lens of systemic oppression, and we are all visible and able to thrive within our skin.
We must elevate all voices and consider all aspects of bodies to shape the future of body image. Our relationship with our body is an integral part of our well-being. When we discuss body image and peel back the layers of our body-shame, we realize we’re opening the door to conversations about so much more…
We have to acknowledge the intersections of race, gender, culture, trauma, ability, and how all of these may affect the development of our body image, ultimately influencing how we see ourselves and one another. The way we see and experience our bodies goes beyond our appearance. Yet, we hyper-focus on highlighting body image through the narrow lens of westernized, white beauty standards.
Let’s work to broaden our perspectives and use our voices to spark conversations about racism, ableism, sexism, and the power structures that continue to marginalize people and affect how they feel in their skin. Let’s dare to see past ourselves and into one another’s experiences.
These stories will inspire you to see your body or someone else’s body differently - to be more accepting and understand the power in our collective diversity.
Our Vision
#SeeBodiesDifferently
Our Project Premiere was a huge success! Sign up to display the gallery in your space!
Gallery Host Form Submission
Our Stories
- The full series features 22 individuals throughout the Midwest -
Currently, all stories and images are only available to see in-person. Stay up to date with our displays on our Facebook, or sign up to host the gallery in your space!
Sean’s story examines body image through the lens of masculinity within our culture and our continued silence around mental health.
Melissa’s story proves that to be a role model for younger generations, we need to fight unattainable and unhealthy physical standards and see past the broken mirror society puts in front of us.
Char's story demonstrates the stigma and violence around transgender individuals and the trials they go through to find safety and acceptance.
Becca’s story serves as anecdotal support for a more profound commentary on toxic purity culture -a movement that pretends to hold bodies as sacred spaces but instead ultimately champions sex negativity, shame, and rape culture.
Imaan’s story shows how some Muslim-American women redefine body image in modern American culture and create a space for other Muslim-American women and girls.
Nekeyta’s story confronts the many flaws within the beauty industry and emphasizes the power of embracing your authentic self.
Natalie’s story affirms that we need to actively talk with our children about all bodies and focus on viewing them through how they feel and not their appearance.
Alyssa’s story reminds us of neglected populations that do not align with the “ideal” image of bodies and how this image changes cross-culturally.
In the age of social media, our preoccupations with our appearances have never been more prominent. Research suggests that the development of our body image begins as early as six years old. With increased access to information and marketing, it is important that we actively promote love and acceptance of our bodies and others.
Current body image recovery work often overlooks issues like trauma, sexism, and systemic racism, originating from a Eurocentric viewpoint that fails to consider diverse cultural experiences and social oppression. Addressing deeper-rooted causes of negative body image requires a holistic approach that acknowledges intersecting identities and systemic influences. There is a pressing need for more inclusive projects, research, and recovery strategies that confront various forms of oppression.
Our Mirrors Workbook
Share Your Story
Share your story as part of our Submission Spotlight Blog, or submit to be a key story: featured and filmed by our team. If you’re selected as one of our key stories, you have the opportunity to share your story via two photographs and a documentary-style interview. Our experienced (and super fun) team will work with you in creating imagery that captures your experiences. Your collective visual story will be released on our webpage and social media platforms - it will also have the opportunity to be displayed in spaces throughout the Midwest.
The Impact
Breaking Barriers.
Using the very relatable topic of body image to open up conversation around crucial controversial issues such as racism, sexism, ableism, etc. Our approach intends to cut through the toxic defensive tension that is so prevalent in our society and help us truly see each other.
Body Education.
Creating interactive discussion guides is intended to provide a resource that goes beyond awareness to tangibly tackle our thought processes.
Aiding Research.
Much of body-image research and awareness is heavily focused around white sis-gendered women. Our detailed stories are intended to more equally represent our society and expand the dialogue around body image to aid more research on populations that are often excluded.
Empowering Our Youth.
Youth are our future. We’re not only educating, we’re empowering them to feel excited about the differences between bodies, and to challenge the discriminatory systems designed to make them feel less than.
"My value isn't tied to my body." - Janelle
"Through my challenges with alopecia I was faced with redefining my own beauty standards." - Katlyn
"When I got Covid-19 in 2020, the capabilities of my body completely changed, and half my hair fell out from the illness. It only made me stronger." - Stacey
The Artists & Volunteers
Lead Photographer & Creative Producer
Jena Hovey is an award-winning Michigan-based photographer and the owner of McShane Photography. She is perhaps most well known for her zombie and vintage pin-up series, unique street photography, and storm/landscape work. With a characteristic style and diverse body of work, she is one of the most sought-after and respected photographers in the state. Jena’s work has been featured in numerous places including National Rock Review and The Weather Channel. She is an artist whose work is informed by compassion and empathy for the beautiful spaces and subjects she is charged with conveying to the world. From chasing storms in the Midwest to working with survivors of abuse, her ability to capture the emotion and true spirit of her subjects is uncanny.
Laura E. Swanson is an independent filmmaker, professional speaker, and the Executive Director of the nonprofit, ‘Creative Embers’. Her work is rooted in building awareness of societal issues using a non-sensationalized and victim-centered artistic approach. Swanson is best known for her 2017 film, ‘Break the Chain,’ bringing greater attention to the issue of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities. Her work has been screened in university classrooms around the U.S., International Film Festivals, State Supreme Courts and employed as educational and training resources for first responders and nonprofit organizations. Laura is an alum of Michigan State University with a degree in Media & Information, specializing in Documentary Film. She is currently a graduate student at Oakland University studying Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. With a passion for using art and media to shift perspectives and influence change, she continues to work towards building a strong community of independent artists creating initiatives that inspire action.
Design, Animation, & Illustration
Gabriella Popper
Emilio Rubio
Lisa Assenmacher
Medha Gajendragadkar
Daniel Wogan
Fiona Steffens
Violet Steffens
Film Crew
Michael Nabozny
Caitlin Woudstra
Kirk Mason
Jennifer Berggren
Hayden Acker
Volunteer Outreach & Production Assistants
Casey Shipman
Parios Williams
Morgan Madden
Sarah Burnosky
Common Questions
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If you’re selected as one of our key stories, you will have the opportunity to share your story via two photographs and a documentary-style interview. Our experienced (and super fun) team will work with you in creating imagery that captures your experiences. Your collective visual story will be released on our webpage and social media platforms - it will also have the opportunity to be displayed in spaces throughout the Midwest.
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Absolutely. Every step of the way we work to make sure you are comfortable with the representation of your story. You are able to view your photos and video interview prior to their release. Our team has experience in working with sensitive subject matter and we appreciate the vulnerability and courage it takes to share your experiences.
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Yes and no. To be selected as one of our key stories, you do need to be from the Midwest. However, if you’d like to share via our Submission Spotlight, you do not need to be from the Midwest. Currently, the COVID19 pandemic has restricted our travel, thus most of our stories are from Michigan, but we can’t wait to travel out to you when it’s safer!.
Follow our journey.
Stay up to date with us and find more information and inspiration on our Facebook and Instagram.
