Client: Art Garage, Foxleys Galley, Studio Rouge

Overview

Shanna Koltz
A solo exhibition
Visual Storytelling of Shattered Fairytales.
In a world of plastic, photoshop and fairytales I wanted to point out that no one has a perfect life. Not even Disney Princesses. In this photo series I explore the other side of the story. The one that Disney didn’t want you to see. Have you ever asked yourself, “What happened after the fairytale was over?” “Was the Prince really charming?” or “Was he a cheating womanizer?” Everyone has their own personal story to tell. Everyone has been shattered in one way or another. This series is a glimpse into our current society through the secret lives of our beloved princesses.I believe that overcoming personal struggles will create character, depth and understanding. Hardships in life shape our convictions and ultimately make us who we are meant to be. So why hide the truth? It is time to stop fantasizing, break open the books and get to know the princesses for who they are. This exhibit consists of 45+ framed art pieces and additional signs stating statistics about each social issue. There is a published book that accompanies this exhibit. The book has over 100 images. The books are for sale and there is also promotional items for sale.

Goals

What I would like to get out of this series is a platform from which to provide awareness, share statistics, list help lines and shine a light onto some of the social issues that affect our society (and our world) today. Everyone has struggles.
The next time you think someone has it all together and that their life is perfect, remember this series. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Process

This project took over 5 years to complete. Each social issue/ princess required multiple photoshoots. I spent over a year collecting the wardrobe and set pieces before the photoshoots began. I collaborated with Stylists (hair/makeup), A Body Painter, Numerous Assistants, Models, scouted locations, made set pieces, collaborated with clothing designer and a handyman who helped my set visions come to life. Each photoshoot brought about its own challenges.

Additional Information

The social issues in this series are: Alcohol Abuse. Snow White is an overworked MOM at home with her 7 kids. Her husband “the Prince” is cheating on her with the other princesses. Snow white finds comfort in the bottom of a bottle. She is an Alcoholic Insomnia, Paranoia and Anxiety. Princess and the Pea is an insomniac who also suffers from paranoia and anxiety. Drug Addiction: Sleeping Beauty craves the of the pin…. she is a drug addict Global Warming: Elsa is concerned about global warning… She tries to stay frozen in a cryogenic chamber but she can’t stay in there forever. Bullying and Domestic Abuse: Cinderella is caught in a circle of abuse…. First she was bullied and abused by her step-mother and sisters and now her prince charming is abusing her too. Her glass slippers (once so beautiful) are now sharp and cut like a knife. Infidelity, Seduction and Lust: Beauty is the beast…. Bell (the dominatrix) lures Prince Charming in with her seductive ways. Isolation, Solitude and Suicide: Rapunzel is captive, a woman in jail……. the only way out is her hair. Toxic Oil Spill : The Little Mermaid can no longer sing because the toxic oil spill has changed her habitat and the joy for song is no more.