Hollywood Photographer and STHRIbySelyn capture essence of women’s empowerment
Chris Burgess, an international photographer associated with many leading Hollywood blockbuster movies, recently with marketing agency Vision1 and ethical fashion label STHRIbySelyn to collaborate on an empowerment passion project in tribute to the Sri Lankan woman.
In celebration of International Women’s Week, the collaboration this week launched a special online photo gallery - "STHRI”, that celebrates diversity; a project executed with the goal of inspiring and uplifting women across the island to take pride in themselves without conforming to superficial social norms. The online exhibition consists of portraits of women and girls of all religions, ethnicities, ages, shapes, social backgrounds and communities who volunteered to be a part of the campaign and spread the message of self- love, the organisers said in a media release.
The project was inspired when Burgess noticed a recent whirl of derogatory advertisements that objectify women and perpetuate superficiality in the eyes of the local audience. From digital advertisements to billboards, some brands take the phrase “any publicity is good publicity” too much to heart. However, these controversial campaigns didn’t go unspoken about – social media users have begun to stand together and rally against the sexism that‘ s easily dismissed in a predominantly patriarchal nation.
“When the agency and Chris approached us about a collaboration for this project, we jumped in without hesitation, as it is important for private sector organisations to take active steps to inspire confidence among women about being who they are,” said Selyna Peiris, Director Business Development for Selyn.
The project’s intention is to spread the message that being yourself unapologetically is the best version of you. The gallery can be viewed at www.sthri.com.