Stripping Down Tradition: The New Faces of Life Drawing

By: Camila Muiambo

The life drawing model is the founder of Pole Ninjas studio, and she would have to stay in the same position for at around 2 minutes a pose

Have you ever been in the same room as a pole dancer? Strangely, the first time I saw one wasn’t at a strip club or a pole dancing class. Where was it, you ask? At a life drawing session.

I stepped into the cold room of Kingston’s Ancient Market Place—a historic venue built in 1840 for an impressive £400—and was immediately struck by the sight of a 3-metre-high pole in the centre. In the corner stood a muscular woman, her copper metallic platform heels towering at least 7 inches high, dressed in a leopard-print swimsuit.

Most attendees looked a little intimidated by what they had signed up for, eagerly accepting offers of alcoholic beverages to calm their nerves.

Having never attended a life drawing session before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The tables were arranged in a semicircle around the pole, with each seat equipped with an assortment of materials: variously sized sheets of paper, lead pencils, and charcoal.

The session was hosted by Jessica Au, representing the renowned collective 2bornot2b—a name inspired by a dad joke. Jessica, 35, is a freelance creative who first discovered life drawing whilst studying fashion design at university in 2007.

A drawing by a participant of the life drawing event

For years, life drawing was considered the foundation of most art degrees, essential for developing hand-eye coordination and sharpening observational skills. However, it’s no longer just an academic exercise. “There’s a real culture now,” Au explained. “You could go to a pub, a community hub, or an art centre and find a life drawing class.”

The 2bornot2b CIC Collective is celebrated for its inclusivity, especially within the life drawing community. Run by people of colour (POC), the collective aims to highlight underrepresented bodies—transgender, plus-sized, disabled, and more.

The Covid-19 pandemic, however, brought this thriving community to a halt. Many collectives and classes shut down, leaving life models without income. But, like many industries, the community adapted, transitioning to online sessions—a shift that, according to Au, revolutionised life drawing.

A quick search for life drawing sessions in London reveals an incredible variety of themed classes: neon-painted models, drag queens, cabaret performers, plus-sized models, and even strippers. The days of exclusively drawing cisgender, white models are being left behind.

Yet, progress is ongoing. “Life drawing is becoming more diverse,” Au said. “But there’s still work to be done. We need more diversity among models, hosts, and tutors.”

Toni Murphy, a POC life model, shared her perspective: “It feels a bit strange sometimes being the only Black person in a room full of white faces drawing me. I’ve experienced that a few times. Some artists have even told me they appreciate having the opportunity to draw Black people for the first time. They value being able to depict different body shapes and features.”

Lucy Russell, both a host and a participant in life drawing events, was initially sceptical about moving sessions online. “I worried we’d lose the intimacy between artist and model,” she admitted. “But I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

According to Russell, online sessions introduced a different kind of intimacy—one that fostered connection during lockdown. They brought together people craving social interaction, uniting participants from around the world.

The migration to online life drawing also expanded accessibility. It opened doors for people in countries where life drawing might face cultural barriers, allowed disabled individuals to participate without physical constraints, eliminated transport costs, and created safer spaces for transgender people.

“I’m tired of objectified, limited bodies,” Russell said. “I have no tolerance for spaces that restrict representation.”

For Murphy, life modelling is deeply empowering. “For me, it’s the most radical expression of self-love,” she said. “It’s a natural progression in learning to accept and love my body. Being a life model, you can’t downplay how others see you. They’ve drawn you as a work of art, and it’s incredibly affirming. It’s boosted my self-confidence.”

So, are you struggling with low self-esteem? Forget therapy—why not pose naked in front of 30 people and discover how your body can be transformed into art? If you do, let me know which session you’re signing up for. I’ll bring my sketchbook to capture the magic.