Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

InspirationArt & Culture

Neon Portraits: Anonymous nude selfies transformed into neon sculptures

In her illuminating series Neon Portraits, Leeds-based artist Romily Alice Walden takes anonymously donated nude selfies and transforms them into neon sculptures. The portraits attempt to reframe the pin-up for a female gaze by depicting women’s bodies in their natural and unedited state.

Written By:
Bright red neon outline of a female figure with horns against a weathered wooden wall, part of Romily Alice Walden's Neon Portraits series

"In a mainstream culture that is obsessed with a singular beauty ideal – one that is often photoshopped into fantasy land – the Neon Portraits project aims to normalise and celebrate the diversity of the female form," Romily explains.

Recently exhibited at Lights of Soho London and the Affordable Art Fair, the project is ongoing as the artist seeks to further explore the potential for expanding our notions of beauty in the post-Internet age. Romily is open to submissions from anyone that identifies as female. Discover more at romilyalice.com.

Born in London, Romily currently works from her neon studio in Leeds whilst studying at Leeds College of Art. In May 2016 Romily was named the recipient of the Jameson Works Bursary.

Via Creative Boom submission | All images courtesy of Romily Alice

White neon tubing outlining the contours of a female torso against weathered wooden panelling, part of Romily Alice Walden's Neon Portraits series
Warm neon tubing forms an abstract female silhouette with curved lines representing the body against a weathered metal background
White neon lines form an abstract female torso against a weathered rust-coloured wooden backdrop in Romily Alice Walden's Neon Portraits series
White neon outline of a female torso with curved lines forming the shoulders, chest, waist and hips against a dark textured background
Glowing pink neon lines outline a nude female torso against a brick wall, part of Romily Alice Walden's Neon Portraits series
White neon outline of a female torso against weathered wooden panels, part of Romily Alice Walden's Neon Portraits series
Share

Further Reading