Beauty in change: From perfection to diversity in our society!

Beauty in change: From perfection to diversity in our society!

The latest developments in the examination of beauty ideals and their influence on society are both complex and multi-layered. A current project by art students at the University of Weimar sheds light on these topics and was awarded the Herder Prize. Students in the first semester critically examined the issue of perfection and social norms, which are primarily reinforced by digital platforms and social media. These mechanisms create a reality in which there is little room for imperfection and experimentation. Addressing these topics is crucial for prospective art teachers who want to help future students better deal with the inflated ideals they encounter every day.

The course enabled students to reflect artistically on personal themes such as grief, memory and feminist criticism of beauty norms. The works, realized in the form of sculptures, installations, sound works and paintings, are not only an expression of artistic abilities, but also profound results of philosophical discussions about social vulnerability and authenticity. University of Weimar reports that this approach is important for creating spaces for experimentation and failure in artistic practice and teaching.

Changing ideals of beauty

The influence of social media on our perspectives of beauty can also be seen in pop culture, such as in the song “Belly Legs Po” by Shirin David. The title reflects a beauty ideal based on thinness, fitness and self-expression, which was particularly popular this summer. Student emphasizes that ideals of beauty are not a timeless concept, but rather continually change throughout history. From the obesity of the Stone Age, which was considered a sign of wealth, to the entrenched ideals of the 20th century, it becomes clear how social and cultural influences shape our understanding of beauty.

In the Renaissance, full bodies were considered beautiful, while in the Baroque the use of corsets to create a wasp waist was celebrated. Today, the pressure to conform to beauty standards has increased through fitness cults, diets and plastic surgery. Social media often creates distorted perceptions and suggests an image of perfect beauty that is unattainable. The change towards alternative beauty concepts, which is promoted by body positivity movements, also shows that an increasing openness to diversity is emerging.

New definition of beauty

The way we view beauty has changed drastically over the last two decades. National Geographic explains that the term is increasingly being interpreted in an inclusive and diverse manner. An example of this is Alek Wek, a Sudanese model who deviated from traditional beauty standards as Elle's 1997 cover girl. The fashion industry has changed a lot in recent years by allowing more diversity on its catwalks and questioning social norms.

Beauty is becoming increasingly political and encompasses respect for all body shapes. New beauty ideals that include non-binary and transgender models show that the fashion industry must address the challenges of representation. Public pressure, coupled with the demands of social media, is forcing the industry to rethink its views on beauty and acceptance.

The discussion of the term beauty therefore remains open and shows that it is clearly shaped by social values. In times when influencers and social media influence aesthetics, it is becoming increasingly important to critically examine existing norms and develop new perspectives.