Disney Characters Reimagined - Realistic Bodies Edition

1. Ariel

Disney introduced us to a vibrant cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and traits. While they shared adventures and life lessons, artist Wyethe Smallish pondered what these characters might look like if their physical appearances were different.

"I struggle with my own body image, and art is my way of exploring and coping with that," Wyethe shared. "So, as a form of therapy, I decided to reimagine some of my favorite childhood characters."

What began as a personal project soon resonated with countless others when Wyethe shared her creations on social media. The images quickly gained traction, captivating audiences and sparking conversations about body image and representation in media. It's a refreshing and thought-provoking twist on familiar characters that has touched the hearts of many.

2. Mulan

The realm of Disney Princesses encompasses thirteen noble ladies and a host of other valiant heroines. While their actual titles may vary, within the franchise, each official Disney princess is respectfully addressed with the prefix "Princess" followed by her name.

This esteemed roster includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Raya.

"As a young girl, I always looked to Disney's princesses as role models and admired their stories," Wyethe reflected.

"I couldn't help but notice that they all shared the same body proportions, which made it challenging for me to fully connect with them as I grew older."

3. Princess Aurora

4. Jasmine

5. Rapunzel

While Wyethe holds a deep appreciation for Disney character design, she also recognizes the importance of body representation. "It's a gorgeous style!" she acknowledges. However, she emphasizes that in today's society, portraying diverse body types not only enhances relatability but also fosters body acceptance and appreciation.

6. Jasmine

7. Cinderella

8. Jasmine

9. Princess Tiana

"Overall, the response to these illustrations has been overwhelmingly positive," Wyethe remarked. "I receive messages daily from people expressing how these images have resonated with them and brought healing to their inner child. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my art can have such a meaningful impact."

However, it's important to note that Wyethe's artistic endeavors go beyond this particular series. "While I'm grateful for the appreciation these drawings have received, as an artist, I'm focused on exploring various themes and concepts. While I may revisit similar projects in the future, my primary goal is to continue using art as a form of personal expression and therapy."

10. Mulan

11. Jasmine

12. Princess Aurora

13. Princess Tiana

Critics have long scrutinized classic Disney films for the problematic messages they convey to young girls. These messages include the notion that a woman's happiness hinges on finding a romantic partner, the idea of waiting passively for a prince to sweep you off your feet, and the unrealistic expectation of living happily ever after once you marry into royalty.

However, much of the criticism also centers on the portrayal of feminine physical perfection in Disney movies. Anthropologist Toe Aung from Pennsylvania State University and independent researcher Leah Williams highlighted this issue in their paper titled 'Mirror, mirror on the wall: Whose figure is the fairest of them all?' They pointed out that Disney princesses often have extremely small waist-to-hip ratios, a physical trait that is nearly impossible to attain naturally.

14. Princess Tiana

15. Rapunzel