At Natural Pursuits we highlight projects that resonate with our core mission: celebrating and elevating the beauty of all body types. Today, we spotlight Arrested Movement, a visionary endeavor that challenges the mainstream notions of ideal male beauty through a body-positive lens. At the heart of Arrested Movement is the belief that beauty is holistic, existing not in perfection but in the mere existence of our parts.
This project, founded by the talented Anthony Patrick Manier, seeks to remind us that beauty is inherent in being. Through our interview with Anthony and a selection of compelling photographs from the project, we dive into the creative process and the impactful message behind Arrested Movement.
For those inspired by this project’s mission to showcase the natural beauty in every movement and stillness, a unique opportunity awaits. Support the project on Kickstarter and become part of a community that receives the Arrested Movement photobook, a 300-page testament to the diverse beauty of bodies in motion.
Interview with Anthony Patrick Manieri
Natural Pursuits (NP): What motivated you to start the Arrested Movement series?
Anthony Patrick Manieri (APM): The topic of body positivity isn’t gender-specific, unlike the majority media covers this topic, with most accumulated statistics focusing on women. Men feel too. Men struggle as well. Men need to be included in the conversation that’s being had. That was what motivated the Arrested Movement series. We all need to be seen and heard. Representation does indeed matter.
NP: How do you ensure the inclusivity of diverse body types in your portrait series, especially those underrepresented in mainstream media?
APM: My goal wasn’t only to photograph underrepresented body types, I wanted to showcase the entire spectrum of bodies as best as I could, all photographed equally, in the same type of setting. Having the participant and the viewer see and feel that we’re all the same.
Though finding models who were diverse and keeping intersectionality in mind as far as the male gender portion was indeed important, especially for the viewer to feel represented. The series was open for any man that wanted to participate, so I chose not to be discerning.
If you decided you wanted to partake, then you were welcomed to do so. Whatever the model’s reasoning was, I was grateful. Even though this series was a volunteer led initiative, I found after the first few sessions certain demographics of men were for the most part absent. But since the series has grown in popularity, more and more men with diverse body types have been willing to step forward, which is amazing.
NP: What challenges have you faced in trying to capture and represent such a wide array of masculinity and body types?
APM: I would say that some men who participated that were used to being photographed either by another professional or from themselves on their phones, usually felt a little out of sorts. Posing and looking brawny wasn’t what was called for for this body of work. And at times, it was hard to get them out of that structured headspace. But they always came through and did it brilliantly.
The fact that this series is nude men in movement celebrating their bodies, once the models had decided to attend, that was half the battle. I wouldn’t say I had any challenges photographing these men. I had a limited amount of time with each of them, and my job was to make them feel as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible.
After initial directions, and of course I would continuously direct the gentlemen throughout their time with me, while stopping periodically to show the model their images thus far. But in the end, it is up to the model to surrender and be present in the moment, and when that took place, that’s when magic would happen.
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Artist Interview (Cont.)
NP: Could you share some feedback from participants who’ve been part of the Arrested Movement?
APM: From the get-go, I had men reaching out to me from different countries commending me for creating this series and eventually this platform for celebrating diversity in men’s bodies. Some would share their stories and struggles with me. While others asked if I would be coming to their city because they would like to participate or knew someone who would. Everyone has a story. Everyone is on a journey.
Though there was one man that forever will be ingrained in my mind. He pulled me aside on set and proceeded to tell me as to why he decided to participate. He shared with me the numerous medical conditions he had, and that he wanted to be a part of this series to make sure there was proof he existed in this world. I have him a big hug, and when we were done, I excused myself from set and went outside and had a good cry.
It has been my intention that the message of this series is heard, understood, and hopefully adapted into the narrative of the body positive and acceptance movement that men also feel and struggle with their bodies. But that moment really shook me. It fueled something within me, validating that what I was doing had considerable purpose. Unfortunately I heard that that beautiful man had passed away.
NP: Based on your experiences with Arrested Movement, what advice would you give to individuals struggling with body image issues?
APM: I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with all these men in their rawist most vulnerable state. And what I noticed quickly was that we are technically all the same, even though we may be traveling on our journey in different vehicles, we are so much alike and share similar feelings about our insecurities.
None of us are alone on this plane of existence. I always refer to the fact that we are on a journey. Some of us are just starting, some of us are well on our way. But it comes with knowledge, maturity, and acceptance. I would suggest, to try and surrender and accept your specific challenges and limitations. For me it is accepting myself as I am, as well as trying to make sure I am as physically healthy as possible.
Because you can’t be body positive and be unhealthy. Try feeling good in your own skin. Perhaps repeat your own daily mantra, tell yourself that you love yourself. Or before getting up, lay in bed and talk to your body. Tell your body, your limbs, your organs that you love, appreciate, and are grateful for them. Your body is listening.
NP: How can people cultivate a healthier relationship with their bodies, especially in the age of social media?
APM: Start by being kinder to yourself and more compassionate with others. Learn how to quiet your mind. Act from a place of empathy. Put down your phone more often and limit your intake of media in general. I realize that may be hard for most, but therein lies the problem, we have become a culture of social media addicts.
Try to step out of this muddied herd mentality of idealistic perfection. Because it truly doesn’t exist. Being the best version of yourself is achievable by working on our own self every day. Spend time with the people you love and that lift you up. Devote more time in nature. Start using a daily journal to list the things in your life that you’re grateful for. Make healthier food choices to maintain optimal physical health. Move your body. Forgiveness is a great tool for healing. Forgive yourself, forgive others, and forgive difficult past situations as often as necessary. Be present. Show up for yourself. You’re worth it. And take it all one day at a time.
About the Artist
Anthony Patrick Manieri is a professional photographer and art director based in Toronto, Canada. He specializes in stylized portraiture and food photography. Anthony’s work has appeared in print and online, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Maclean’s Magazine, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, Hello! Magazine, Weddingbells, BRIDES, and Dauphine Magazine. Clients range from The Art Gallery of Ontario to Second Cup Canada.
Arrested Movement has garnered coverage in online publications such as Italian Vogue, Gay Star News, Fstoppers, BARNAB Paris, HORNET, MAINLY MALE and The Point.
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