Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert: “Bigger” Self-Love

Portraying the beauty of larger bodies, “Bigger” is the new book and photo project of photographer Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert. Even though the topic of body representation in the media and advertising industry has been discussed for decades, the visibility of bigger male-identyfying bodies still has much to be said.

In the words of the artist: “Many men feel insecure and lack self-confidence because they do not see themselves represented in the media. However, as we become accustomed to images of diverse bodies, we can all feel more liberated”.

As the third publication of Joseph Wolfgang after “Gender as a Spectrum” (2016), and “Darlings!” (2018), this time the photographer has explored the perception of self-love of diverse men who embody bigger bodies.

Inspired by bringing visibility and representation across 200 pages, “Bigger” offers an intimate visual journey featuring over 80 portraits coupled with personal reflections from the artist and five other writers. They share and explore perspectives around the deep extensions of this topic.

“When it comes to self-love and self-perception, there is often silence or ridicule. This can lead to depression and create a vicious cycle. Many men believe they are not allowed to feel sexy or desirable. Shame plays a significant role. Our society struggles to love itself, as self-love is often mistaken for vanity. The desire to feel beautiful is hidden beneath layers of toxic masculinity or predefined, limited male role models”, explains the portrait photographer about the nuances of this photo book and curation. 

Expected to be launched during the half of 2024, you can preorder Joseph Wolgang Ohlert’s book “Bigger” here. 

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