According to some social media of the day, we are in the age of Ozempic. But on International Women's Day, March 8th, Pinterest, via agency Adolescent Content, reminded us of body-positive belief systems, embraced by gen z and young millennials, to love yourself, at any shape or size.
The campaign, 'Empowering art and affirmations,' featured original artwork on a series of pins and a Pinterest International Women's Day landing page, sprang from the concept of what would have happened if previous generations were also provided with a positive discourse around their bodies. What if they had been met with compassion, inclusion and representation online?
Adolescent, the certified woman-and Black-founded youth and culture advertising, content and research agency, selected six creators from storytellers, their global network of makers, each representing a diversity of lived experiences and artistic styles, to generate concepts around the theme, inspired by their experiences in female bodies. The artists were then commissioned to create art pieces around their chosen themes.
Artist Rochelle Brock's photographic self-portrait urges people to 'Indulge in More Self Love' alongside a feast of food. In 'Rubenesque,' artist Audrey Estok paints a woman in a museum looking at a painting by Rubens. In addition to the original art, the campaign features inspiring quotes and Pins from across Pinterest.
“Women's bodies have been the centre of expectations, judgment and gossip through time, and we just accepted that society could dictate what we should aspire to look like and how we should feel about ourselves," said Sara Larsen, art director at Adolescent.
"But, at last, gen z and young millennials have been able to reclaim themselves through body positivity, and the internet, including channels like Pinterest, creating the media to express these powerful themes and share them with others."
Joining artists Brock and Estok are Kyla Marie Cruz, Jamilah Muhammad, Maria Mejia, and POETIK, each contributing multiple artworks to recognize and empower women of gen z, gen alpha and those who came before.