Exhibit highlights media's view of women and beauty

A student art exhibit by several women and gender studies and communications majors will showcase their perception of how social media reinforces popular media's unrealistic views of women and beauty.

The photographs in the exhibit, “Love Your Body,” were taken by Makenna Brooke Runion as part of her communications capstone course. Each woman was photographed twice: once in a natural setting and once in full makeup. The exhibit will run February 9-March 9 in the exhibition room on the atrium floor of the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons.

Elizabeth Batten, a communications major and WGS minor, said this exhibit is a creative way to be an activist. Julia Mason, associate professor of women and gender studies, said the students hope the exhibit creates conversations about women and beauty.

An opening reception is set for February 18, 6-8 p.m. The Women’s Center also supported this project.