Solo Exhibition

October 2 - 27, 2024 at Jen Tough Gallery

This series is an idealistic, nostalgic exploration of femininity, deeply rooted in the tensions between societal expectations and the authentic self. Through a blend of midcentury advertising aesthetics and modern reflection, the work taps into a time when women were confined to narrow roles and appearances—expected to embody perfection, beauty, and quiet compliance.

The wallpaper-like backgrounds symbolize the pressure to blend in, to conform. They serve as a visual metaphor for the invisible walls of societal norms, hinting at the persistent need to "fit in" and remain socially acceptable. Against these patterned backdrops, the female figures emerge—simplified and often dehumanized, suggesting the transformation of women into dolls or posters, mere representations of what they are supposed to be.

There’s an underlying struggle in the work between the pursuit of perfection and the freedom of instinctual, expressive brushstrokes. This tension mirrors the internal conflict many women face—trying to meet impossible standards while yearning to break free from them. The figures, caught between these dual forces, reflect the ongoing pressure to “be a lady,” to uphold an idealized version of femininity that suppresses individuality.

The nostalgic appeal of this series is not without irony. It calls back to an era where the roles and expectations of women were clearly defined and policed, while questioning the allure of returning to a time when women’s identities were shaped by external pressures rather than internal desires. Through this exploration, the work challenges viewers to reconsider the ways in which society continues to shape and restrict feminine identity today.

Ruby

Lovely