The Emancipation of Judy: Robert Lang

The Story Behind Judy

The artwork of the 5th edition of Museumnacht Maastricht is created by the talented Robert Lang and is part of the photo book titled 'The Emancipation of Judy'. The photos document Judy’s self-portraits in diary form and reveal her in an intimate and vulnerable state as the subject of self-awareness is questioned. Judy has only ever been known as a blow-up sex-doll. She is the epitome of the anti-feminist object, but - as photographed by Lang - brings a bittersweet and humanized side to the sex industry that is rarely shown. The photos portray who Judy is and who she wants to be as she was stripped of this choice. Judy has only ever been treated as a sexualized possession and like anyone else feels the need to be desired but was made to be your sexual fantasy and a product of capitalism instead. 

Robert Lang about Judy: 
‘On creating the series of Judy I initially worked with a blow up doll when I photographed a lookbook for a menswear designer in London. I revisited the concept with the idea that she was a living being and how interesting it would be to photograph her from her own perspective. The theme of existentialism was pretty evident as the theme of choice and freedom played a large role in the concept of Judy. Feminism plays a large role in the photo series but I felt it patronising on my own behalf to discuss this as I am a man but was surrounded by strong woman growing up who fought for women’s rights the entirety of their lives.

It was really interesting to watch the photos develop and see how a slight change in angle could portray emotions of sorrow, joy, desire, love, pride, shame and sympathy.
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Happily ever After

Wonder how Judy is doing now? In December 2018 Robert Lang captured her beauty yet again in ‘Idolatry’ as well as the bonding and intimacy between Judy and her John. She has found her place and love in today's world. Read more 

“Maybe I will travel and see the great outdoors. I do tire of the city and imagine days spent lying in fields of flowers and gazing at my reflection in crystal waters.” - Judy

Robert Lang

Robert Lang is a photographer and director living in Los Angeles, California, Originally from Durban, South Africa.

Having no formal training or studies in photography, he is self-taught and his first occupation was as the official Fashion Week Front of House/Backstage photographer for The Daily Mail. Covering over the years London, Paris, Paris Couture and New York Fashion Week.

Besides 'The Emancipation of Judy' and 'Idolatry' he is known for 'Filthy Gorgeous Camden Town' (April 2017) and ‘Hollywood Walk of Shame’ (June 2018) and the short movies 'The Return to the Pleasure Dome' (2017), ‘The Iron Sisters’ and ‘Encore’ (2018).

His work has been featured in various (fashion) magazines including Metal Magazine, i-D Magazine, Afernyne Magazine, Schön!, V Magazine, Dazed, Hunger, HERO Magazine, American Chordata, High Snobiety, Oyster Magazine and NPR radio. 

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