The Dark Side of Fairytales

Being a photographer and artist....one can safely assume that I enjoy art and photography. And it of course goes without saying, that ALL art is highly subjective. So I'll be the first to admit that I love fantasy art that depicts life as we know it through rose colored glasses that portray life as a wonderful fairytale in which to lose oneself...ala Disney! It's nice to suspend reality in such a manner, and give our stressed out minds a break once in awhile. With that being said however, I also have an equal appreciation for the dark side of life as well. So I felt compelled to share this thought provoking photographic project by the uber clever photographer, Diane Goldstein. The series is titled "Fallen Princesses". And as the name implies, it focuses on the darker side of Disney's princesses, as they face REAL life issues affecting women today, such as addiction, illness and self-image issues.
Goldstein wished to bring attention to these very real issues by excising the "perfection from the fairytale flawlessness." She explored how the oft times dark and gruesome aspects of the Brothers Grimm stories, were often changed by Disney. So Disney's princesses were brought into the real world for a fresh change of pace, and a hefty dose of reality. Some of the material may be a tad controversial, but you can't deny the impact of the statement the photographer makes with images of Cinderella getting drunk in a dingy pub, Belle under the knife for plastic surgery and Snow White juggling babies while “Prince Charming” watches TV. Nor can you white-wash the stark reality of Little Red Riding Hood with a basket full of McDonalds, a bald Rapunzel holding her fallen locks, presumably after being diagnosed with cancer, or a gun-slinging Princess Jasmine. Love it or hate it....it does represent one woman's attempt to address the issues facing women today in a society that glamorizes irrational and unattainable perfection like that of fairytale princesses and Hollywood movie stars. Things are never as fabulous as they appear....not even in Fairytales!!!All Images Copyright Diane Goldstein