Master's Theses

Department

Art

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Abstract

The historical, political, and sexist stereotypes of the female narrative in society have produced an unrealistic and commoditized persona of what it means to be a female. My artwork narrates my relationship with the female body in an authentic and bold depiction. Women have been forbidden for thousands of years to define their narrative and be able to use their voices. I’m proud to be a female, and I show this by size, color, and texture through my artwork.

After the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, I was confused and conflicted with the legislative rights pertaining to the female body and what our future held as a collective. It was extremely interesting for me to watch our society react, positively and negatively, to such a major shift in our cultural normalcy. Through this internal turmoil, I have been enthralled with exploring and researching how the world views these intimate moments of the female experience. In my work, I have explored the feminine narrative associated with sexuality, body image, and unrealistic facades. With the current social media climate, I felt the need to express my voice and perspective. The narrow and skewed view of the ideal female in society and art has become increasingly controlled. Through my art, I want to inspire women to be who they are and to be proud of their bodies and sexuality.

As I develop my practice, I focus on intimate, cinematic-style images of the female figure and still lifes. These cropped perspectives of my subjects provide a personal, yet jarring, experience with the figure in moments of vulnerability. The narratives within my artwork reflect my encounters and aim to depict a shared experience through women as a whole. In society, sexuality and sensuality have many unfavorable connotations, especially when linked to the female form. As an artist and proponent of the female body, I believe it is important to explore these implications and strip away the negativity that has been ingrained into the female experience.

I use food in the majority of my art as a recurring symbolic element. Cherries, pomegranates, and peaches are just a few of the varieties I have included. These foods are often linked to specific experiences. I typically have the female form interacting with them whether it is biting, licking, or touching. How the female interacts with the food connects to the overarching message I am portraying. The interactions seem obsessive at points, and this emphasizes society’s fixation on every move females make. Tabloids constantly comment on the female body and the female relationship to food, so I thought it was important to display an almost intoxicating obsession. On the other hand, these food elements also represent the carefree nature I aspire to create for the female narrative. I want women to indulge freely without feeling gluttonous in their actions. I want females to be proud of themselves and their bodies, not restrained by unrealistic societal standards.

The textural patterns and images created in my work have always guided my materials and processes. I focus on materials emphasizing the gooey, slimy, soft, and juicy textural narratives emulated in these female experiences. Through my process, it is not only essential to portray an image for a viewer to connect with, but I want to challenge individuals to forget their preconceived ideas about the female experience. In my practice, I am constantly analyzing how I can engage with the viewer through sensations and emotions.

Keywords

MFA, Painting, Representational, Sensuality, Food

Advisor

Jee Hwang

Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

MFA Portfolio

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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