Mixed Media on Canvas: Acrylic, Fish Net, Card Stock Paper, Tulle, Sequins, Silk Paper 24″ x 36″ (60.9 cm x 91.5 cm)
This mixed media painting portrays a graceful young woman dressed to play a part. She is aware of her sublime ability to mesmerize an audience. Her beauty affords her many advantages in society; she is trusted, loved and welcomed into the hearts of strangers. Adversely, her beauty subjects her to the expectations bred by her facade. She is what others want her to be. Though she masquerades this role to perfection–the affable, urbane and vogue young woman adored by all–she knows she isn’t fully satisfied. She seeks to explore herself and her world in ways that may not be condoned. True freedom comes at a cost. Is she willing to sacrifice pleasure and comfort, in order to embrace an independent life? Are her values aligned with pretence and materialism, or are they aligned with liberty and self-knowing?
Aesthetically, this painting is inspired by the fashion worn by 18th century French nobility. The subject of the painting is adorned in bows and fabric, evoking the opulence of that era’s style. She is a walking canvas, dressed in the finest garments of the time. I used layers of paper, fabric, sequins and fish net to create the subject’s garment and headdress.
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