‘Our bodies bear traces of all we’ve endured’: exhibition explores bodily photography

Photography possesses a unique ability to reveal the extremes of the human experience. From the work of Diane Arbus, capturing those on the fringes of society, to the motion studies of Eadweard Muybridge, and the depictions of remote communities by Graciela Iturbide, photographs can offer transformative glimpses into the human condition.

A New Exploration of the Human Form

Beginning in January 2026, the Phoenix Art Museum will present “Muscle Memory: Lens on the Body,” a new exhibition featuring the work of over three dozen photographers. The show aims to explore the complex relationship between our awareness of our bodies and our frequent disregard for them.

Did You Know? The exhibition includes work from photographers such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and Graciela Iturbide.

Curator Emilia Mickevicius described the exhibition’s focus, stating she was looking for work where photographers were “grappling with the condition of embodiment, what it feels like to be in a body and move through the world.” The exhibition will feature images depicting aging, death, and pregnancy, alongside representations of physical exertion and body modification.

Capturing Movement and Identity

The exhibition features a diverse range of photographic techniques and subjects. Harold Edgerton’s work, like “Tennis Serve,” utilizes high-speed photography to reveal moments invisible to the naked eye. Claire Warden’s “camera-less” photography, such as “No 15 (Genetics),” incorporates her own body – specifically her fingerprint imbued with her DNA – directly into the film emulsion.

Expert Insight: The exhibition’s exploration of embodiment and the technologies used to capture it suggests a broader commentary on how we perceive and understand the human form, and how those perceptions are shaped by our tools and cultural contexts.

Photographer William Camargo’s “As Far as I Can Get” series, inspired by John Divola and prompted by the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, explores the experience of running through urban environments as a person of colour. Rosalind Fox Solomon’s work examines body modification and aging, while Lauren Greenfield’s photographs address body image and beauty standards.

Addressing Ethical Considerations

The exhibition acknowledges the potential for exploitation when depicting vulnerable subjects. Curator Mickevicius hopes the show will foster empathy and encourage viewers to consider the context and humanity of those portrayed. She asks, “Why do we look at certain pictures and decide on their behalf that they should be ashamed of who they are?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the “Muscle Memory” exhibition?

The exhibition explores how our human bodies can be both the focus of our awareness and something we frequently ignore, delving into themes of embodiment, movement, self-expression, and aging.

Who are some of the photographers featured in the exhibition?

The exhibition includes work by Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Graciela Iturbide, Walter Iooss, Harold Edgerton, Claire A. Warden, William Camargo, Rosalind Fox Solomon, and Lauren Greenfield, among others.

What is the curator’s hope for the exhibition?

Curator Emilia Mickevicius hopes the exhibition will encourage viewers to experience authentic moments of empathy and consider the humanity of those portrayed in the photographs.

How might our understanding of the human body be shaped by the technologies used to capture it?

‘Our bodies bear traces of all we’ve endured’: exhibition explores bodily photography | Photography