“The 21st Century”
Mixed Media - Graphite and Coloured Pencils on Paper, Embroidered onto Raw Canvas
24” x 20”
This mixed media piece explores the impact of contemporary beauty standards forced onto women and the pursuit of “perfection”. The contrast between the graphite and coloured pencils reflects the amalgamation of old and new ideals, and highlights the lack of cohesion these facial transformations result in. The red embroidery thread binding the fragmented features together, and acts as a metaphor for the pain inflicted by media-driven beauty norms. Further, the intricate embroidery of the hair adds a tactile dimension to the artwork, introducing texture and three-dimensional value. The raw, unprimed canvas background represents the 'untouched' original state of the woman's face. The overall juxtaposition of colors and facial features invites viewers to question the authenticity of the constructed image and this ideal of “perfection”, and serves as a commentary on the artificiality of perfection and invites contemplations of the ever-evolving definitions of beauty.