When model Martina Bezzina told photographer Luana Grech that she wanted someone to document her story, it became clear to the both of them that there was an important story to tell here.

“Martina is a fashion model. She competed both locally and internationally – so you can imagine how hard it must be to have an ‘imperfect’ body when we are plastered with ‘perfect’ bodies on social media, magazines and practically everywhere you look,” Luana told Lovin Malta ahead of the release of her new photographic series, I’mPerfect.

A play on the word “imperfect”, Luana saw an opportunity for society to learn more about the realities women and men face in the modern world.

 

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A post shared by Luana Grech (@pinkchic_lu)

“Having scoliosis is painful, but nothing compares to the emotional effect that people put you through because they judge people who look different,” Luana continued. “There were instances where people laughed at Martina because she was wearing a back brace. People’s comments have affected her self-esteem.”

 

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“In reality, whose body is perfect? Don’t we all have ‘defects’ somewhere? For some, it just shows a little bit more.”