Ellen Stewart's 'At The Beach' Explores Social Dynamics at Fotografia Calabria Festival

Ellen Stewart presents her ongoing photographic series 'At The Beach' at the Fotografia Calabria Festival, examining the beach as a microcosm of human experience. Through everyday shots, portraits, and still lifes, she captures what she calls 'beachology'—a blend of personal identity and social observation. The series delves into themes of femininity, summer, and mundane issues, offering fragmented glimpses of bodies. Stewart explores the tension between control, character, and femininity, using compositions like women's legs framing men or low-angle shots of legs to push relational boundaries. The project invites viewers to look beyond the surface and reflect on hidden stories within the simple beach setting.