Undressing But Never Bare
January 10, 2013 3:04 AM   Subscribe

"Outcasts are my kind, they try harder. From strip joints to Burlesque theaters, I went on a quest and met the 'Legends', these dominating characters of the quintessential American art of strip tease. Hours of confidence on tapes, intimate photo sessions, they peel off and reveal the hidden layers of their life with throaty emotion. Their memories reflecting the memories of the land. Vietnam vets and bikers are their loyal patrons..." The Living Art Of Risqué, a photo essay from Marie Baronnet, features portraits of former strippers aged 60 to 95, accompanied by short bio-vignettes in their own words. [NSFW; nudity]

This version at Le Journal de la Photographie has larger images (click on the main pic) and a couple that don't appear in the Burn Magazine presentation, but has some bugginess with the text accompaniments. Photographer Marie Baronnet's site here, in French.
posted by taz (4 comments total) 22 users marked this as a favorite


 
Oh man, these are great, thanks!
posted by fight or flight at 3:34 AM on January 10, 2013


What a gorgeous, fascinating bunch of ladies. Loved reading their bios and seeing them in their homes. I remember Kitten Natividad from girlie magazines in the 70's: mildly NSFW photo. I loved her comment about putting mascara in her pubes to make them thicker. Truly a different era.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:45 AM on January 10, 2013 [2 favorites]


"Burlesque is not sex, it's making fun of sex"

What an interesting way to put it! I've struggled so many times with trying to explain the real difference between burlesque and "porny" dancing, since the line can be so blurry even in a single performance. That sense of fun, gentle mockery of what desire and sexuality means, of ironic representation of hyper sexualization...that's exactly what is really difficult to understand and maintain for some people.
posted by zinful at 12:24 PM on January 10, 2013 [2 favorites]


Wow. Amazing women and fascinating stories. Thank you.
posted by Space Kitty at 6:06 PM on January 10, 2013


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