The Vixens Series
.
Tony Ward began producing The Vixens Series in the Spring of 2021. The portraits are inspired by women from different walks of life that exude strength, beauty, intelligence and heroism. Each person that I cast is asked to write a story about their life. It can be about the past, present or goals for the future as a prerequisite for engaging in the project. Each essay is published on my web site along with pictures of each subject selected for the series. I’m casting women between the ages of 18 and 80 years of age and hope to complete the project by 2030 for exhibition and book publication. Please email the studio if interested in participating in this project.
The term “Vixen” has long been associated with a seductive and alluring female archetype, often portrayed as a symbol of feminine mystique and sensuality in popular culture. This portrayal of the Vixen as a female sex symbol has a deep and complex history that reflects changing societal attitudes towards female sexuality.
The concept of the Vixen can be traced back to various literary and artistic traditions. Throughout history, women who dared to express their sexuality or assert their desires were often labeled as vixens or temptresses. These labels were frequently used to both celebrate and vilify women who challenged traditional gender roles and norms.
In the realm of popular culture, the Vixen archetype became particularly prominent during the mid-20th century. Film noir and pulp fiction of the 1940s and 1950s often featured femme fatale characters who embodied the Vixen persona. These women were cunning, independent, and unapologetically sexual, challenging the conventional roles of women in society.
As the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s reshaped societal attitudes towards sex and female empowerment, the Vixen evolved as well. The archetype took on a more empowered and confident persona, representing a woman who was in control of her own desires and unafraid to express her sexuality. Iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and Raquel Welch embodied this modern Vixen image in film and popular culture.
The Vixen archetype continued to evolve in the decades that followed, reflecting changing ideals of beauty and sexuality. Women who embraced their curves, exuded confidence, and celebrated their sensuality were often celebrated as modern Vixens. The fashion and entertainment industries played a significant role in promoting this ideal, with figures like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna exemplifying the contemporary Vixen image.
However, it’s important to note that the concept of the Vixen as a female sex symbol is not without controversy. Critics argue that it can reinforce narrow beauty standards and objectify women, reducing their worth to their physical appearance and desirability. Others contend that the Vixen archetype can be empowering when embraced by women who assert their own agency and redefine it on their terms.
Vixen as a female sex symbol has a multifaceted history that reflects evolving attitudes towards female sexuality and empowerment. While it has been both celebrated and criticized, the Vixen archetype continues to be a prominent figure in popular culture, representing different aspects of femininity, sensuality, and strength.
.
Email: Tony@TonyWard.com for queries.