Doing a Number

Heather McGeown

A dramatic black and white portrait shows a young person from the chest up, with dark, curly hair, facing downwards in a contemplative or expressive pose. Their shirtless body, with visible musculature, is angled, and their arms are bent with open, curved hands, one raised above the head and the other near the chest. Strong shadows and highlights define the form against a plain, light background.

Growing up, I was fortunate to learn about the anatomy of a dancer’s body and how to train safely to prevent injury. For this project, I wanted to apply that anatomical knowledge to my photographic practice. Dancers often struggle with body image, particularly regarding muscle mass and how their bodies compare to others. I aimed to acknowledge this by referencing anatomical muscle drawings and basing my compositions on them. The title highlights how the repeated use of specific muscles can be physically and mentally taxing for performers, while also alluding to the moment a dancer goes on stage to perform a number. Printing the image on a mirror reinforces this concept, commenting on the countless hours dancers spend studying themselves in reflective surfaces — and inviting viewers to confront their own reflections in turn, prompting a personal dialogue about self-scrutiny and the relationship between strength and appearance within performance culture.

    About The Artist

    A graphic featuring the word 'Inhale' in solid white, bold, sans-serif letters, placed above the word 'Exhale.' 'Exhale' uses the same typeface but is semi-transparent and fades towards the bottom right, suggesting dissipation. The background is a vertical gradient from dark desaturated blue-grey to light blue, with a fine, uniform grainy texture throughout.

    Heather McGeown

    Heather McGeown is a Toronto-based photographic artist whose work is shaped by ideas of movement and its absence. She believes photography exists not only as documentation but also as a means of self expression,leading her to create projects that reflect her personal experiences, fears, through experimentation and play.

    Return to Third Year Show
    Scroll to Top