Cori Schumacher

Sometimes, the utterly ridiculous offers the possibility of a profound clarity, despite the intentions of its origins and despite how it is initially read.

As Surfer Magazine suggests:

“Bearded Ladies

Nick Rosza is all for equality. Women deserve beards too.”

However, there is the opportunity here for a more subversive reading, one that Mr. Rosza may not have intended.

When viewed alongside the La Barbe movement in France, this tantalizing queering of typical surf imagery is also an effective, visual subversive act.

“The name comes from the group’s pantomime style of protest. Its members infiltrate high-level, male-dominated meetings. In due course they get to their feet and silently don false beards before one of them reads out an ironic statement congratulating the men on their supremacy.”

“The emphasis on facial hair ridicules antiquated male attitudes. ‘It’s meant to be ringuard,’ says Ilana.”

Oh la barbe!

Thanks to Janna Irons for posting this up at the Week in Review and to Mr. Rosza for bearding the ladies.