artist statement.
Gender impacts everything we do, how we interact with others, how we see ourselves. There is nothing untouched by our gender identity and the societal expectations applied to them. It is obviously present when I am surrounded by those of another gender identity, but it has a similar importance when I am with just women or by myself. There is no existence that is separate from gender identity. I am a woman, and, with that identification, I have limitations, freedoms, and expectations.
I explore the complexities of gender from a female perspective. I particularly examine objectification, subjugation, and standards ascribed to women like the male gaze, the pursuit of clear skin, and the beauty industry. These issues are personal. I have struggled with them and understand their repercussions; thus my art has an emotional depth, a unique perspective derived from my experiences. My primary goal is to agitate. I wish to draw forth visceral and powerful reactions through my ability to synthesize complex ideas into interesting and layered visual experiences. My work is supposed to make people think about the connections that I am purposefully drawing whilst also leaving room for individual interpretation and inquiry. I do not wish to tell. I wish to show and inspire.
Every part of my work is a symbol: from the images to the colors to the medium to the objects and to the surfaces that are utilized. For example, I have used acne wipes and embroidery to create a unique texture while commenting on skin care, femininity, and the pressure of beauty standards in our current society. I have used mirrors and my own body as a canvas to reference toxic social media culture and art historical sexualization of women. In my faux makeup tutorial, I critiqued the toxic community and culture that has arisen from social media platforms. Often, I use paint in a traditional manner along with these interesting materials as I wish to contrast these traditional notions of artistic expression with the chaotic, often uncontrollable aspects of new materials.
Currently, I am working on expanding into new media and finding new ways to express myself. In particular, I am fascinated by video, the internet, and technology which I believe have radicalized and created a new era of female subjugation. My goal is to never stop turning over a new leaf, to never stop switching the perspective on a tired topic.
I explore the complexities of gender from a female perspective. I particularly examine objectification, subjugation, and standards ascribed to women like the male gaze, the pursuit of clear skin, and the beauty industry. These issues are personal. I have struggled with them and understand their repercussions; thus my art has an emotional depth, a unique perspective derived from my experiences. My primary goal is to agitate. I wish to draw forth visceral and powerful reactions through my ability to synthesize complex ideas into interesting and layered visual experiences. My work is supposed to make people think about the connections that I am purposefully drawing whilst also leaving room for individual interpretation and inquiry. I do not wish to tell. I wish to show and inspire.
Every part of my work is a symbol: from the images to the colors to the medium to the objects and to the surfaces that are utilized. For example, I have used acne wipes and embroidery to create a unique texture while commenting on skin care, femininity, and the pressure of beauty standards in our current society. I have used mirrors and my own body as a canvas to reference toxic social media culture and art historical sexualization of women. In my faux makeup tutorial, I critiqued the toxic community and culture that has arisen from social media platforms. Often, I use paint in a traditional manner along with these interesting materials as I wish to contrast these traditional notions of artistic expression with the chaotic, often uncontrollable aspects of new materials.
Currently, I am working on expanding into new media and finding new ways to express myself. In particular, I am fascinated by video, the internet, and technology which I believe have radicalized and created a new era of female subjugation. My goal is to never stop turning over a new leaf, to never stop switching the perspective on a tired topic.