As an art historian, I look at the visual images for insight into the world we live in. How do artistic endeavors reflect the social, cultural, economic and political conditions of the times? How do the things we look at, the things we create give insight into the world around us?

Over the years, many of my academic interests have come together in the realm of fashion photography. This critical inquiry into fashion photography has emerged from the history of photography and my interest in the body itself as a work of art--as both a symbolic and real means of communication. Both clothed and unclothed, the body is a cultural construction.

The best thing about fashion and fashion photography is its ACCESSIBILITY. Everyone understands and incorporates fashion into their lives to a certain extent. To me, this accessibility makes it more "art" than abstract paintings and sculptures or urinals displayed in museum galleries because you don't have to know the history of art or be well-versed in contemporary social and/or philosophical theories to look at and understand fashion images.

So for me, this "Fashion Photography Spot" includes both my personal interest in fashion photographs (because I just LOVE to look at them!) as well as my academic interest in understanding these images that capture millions of people's attentions on a daily basis. And for whatever reason you're here, I hope you enjoy yourself!