Photo Journal Monday | Ruben Natal-San Miguel
“Ongina,” 2017 Manhattan, NYC
Written by Nicole Miller
Copy Edited by Kee’nan Haggen
Photo Edited by Nicole Miller & Athena Abdien
Ruben Natal-San Miguel’s exhibition at the Griffin Museum, Expanding The Pantheon: Women R Beautiful, is street portraiture in its proper form — authentic storytelling. Featuring women from across the five boroughs of New York City, with a particular interest in women belonging to traditionally marginalized communities, Natal-San Miguel honors the beauty and strength of a diverse representation of identities. Armed with his camera as a spotlight, he captures his subjects intentionally and respectfully, favoring compelling women and receiving their permission to be photographed. Yet, he retains their true essence by capturing his subjects' natural daily environments, whether in a laundromat or behind a ring light.
It All Comes Out In The Wash ( Nykki ) 2019 East Harlem, NYC.
In “It All Comes Out In The Wash ( Nykki ),” Natal-San Miguel presents his subject against bright floral-patterned washing machines in an East Harlem Laundromat. His use of color serves to highlight the woman’s dynamic presence. The vibrant setting complicates her portrait, emphasizing the visual pleasures in the ordinary activities of the day-to-day. The bold hues and detailed pattern of the appliances do not distract from the subject, and instead, accentuate her feminine features. She celebrates her gender and cultural identities with her long hair, red velvet clothing, oversized hoop earrings, and precise, glamorous makeup. Nykki bares her shoulders, proudly engaging and injecting warmth into a space typically portrayed as dull and drab. Staring inquisitively at the camera, she commands attention and dares the audience to not only observe her feminine power, but also to embrace it.
Natal-San Miguel captures a woman in Coney Island, Brooklyn, with a red henna tattoo on her right hand. He advocates that make up is an art form, calling attention to body decoration as a form of self-expression. The ornate floral shapes in her henna design convey an aesthetically empowering sense of joyous freedom. An intimacy between the subject and the audience is cultivated as she shares her character. She places her henna hand on her chin, working to frame her face and enhance her vivid red lip color, ultimately allowing the viewer to see her body art as a part of her identity.
“Henna Tattoo Artist,” 2015 Coney Island, Brooklyn, NYC
In “Chinese Girl Without The Pearl Earring,” the woman’s purple hair and yellow sweatshirt are complementary, creating a high contrast that animates the subject, drawing in the audience. With a raised eyebrow and resolute gaze, she looks directly at the camera, fearless and inspiring. Her extraordinary hair reflects her individuality, communicating one of her core values. Her distinct, saturated colors demand acknowledgment and respect as she expands women’s beauty standards to include underrepresented groups.
Chinese Girl Without The Pearl Earring, 2017 Manhattan, NYC.
Throughout the series, Natal-San Miguel illustrates how the female gaze is inherently disruptive. Historically, women have been discouraged from taking up space. They cross their legs and lace their hands together. However, Natal-San Miguel underscores women who confidently display their identities. The women of Expanding The Pantheon: Women R Beautiful challenge the stereotype of the feminine woman as fragile, dispelling the illusion with their striking everyday poses and appearances.
