Splayed
In Splayed, I delve into the intricate dynamics between embracing one's sexuality and the precariousness of self-objectification. Set in the historical context of the 1960s—when sexual liberation was altering societal norms, yet genuine female empowerment was frequently disregarded—this piece proffers a nuanced narrative. The painting captures a moment with a porn star from the era, seized through a photographer’s lens. Her direct and unflinching gaze meets the viewers, provoking questions: Is she experiencing empowerment in this moment of capture, or is she merely a pawn in a grander exploitation scheme? The painting nudges us to contemplate the complexities of a period when sexuality was becoming accepted, but respect for women often faltered within the same movement.
Visually, Splayed adopts a subtly vibrant color scheme, with shades of yellow and red taking center stage. Dark purple stockings and a raised skirt punctuated with blue hues add an element of curiosity. The brushwork is intentionally untidy, infusing the piece with a certain rawness and accentuating the hazy boundary between authenticity and exploitation. Undefined edges and bold color applications produce a captivating contrast between light and shadow, further intensifying the theme. Splayed invites viewers to explore broader themes such as consent, individual agency, and the societal pressures women face in expressing their sexuality. The painting challenges us to scrutinize the inherent power dynamics in the act of seeing and the ongoing struggle for women to claim ownership over their bodies and desires.
In Splayed, I delve into the intricate dynamics between embracing one's sexuality and the precariousness of self-objectification. Set in the historical context of the 1960s—when sexual liberation was altering societal norms, yet genuine female empowerment was frequently disregarded—this piece proffers a nuanced narrative. The painting captures a moment with a porn star from the era, seized through a photographer’s lens. Her direct and unflinching gaze meets the viewers, provoking questions: Is she experiencing empowerment in this moment of capture, or is she merely a pawn in a grander exploitation scheme? The painting nudges us to contemplate the complexities of a period when sexuality was becoming accepted, but respect for women often faltered within the same movement.
Visually, Splayed adopts a subtly vibrant color scheme, with shades of yellow and red taking center stage. Dark purple stockings and a raised skirt punctuated with blue hues add an element of curiosity. The brushwork is intentionally untidy, infusing the piece with a certain rawness and accentuating the hazy boundary between authenticity and exploitation. Undefined edges and bold color applications produce a captivating contrast between light and shadow, further intensifying the theme. Splayed invites viewers to explore broader themes such as consent, individual agency, and the societal pressures women face in expressing their sexuality. The painting challenges us to scrutinize the inherent power dynamics in the act of seeing and the ongoing struggle for women to claim ownership over their bodies and desires.
In Splayed, I delve into the intricate dynamics between embracing one's sexuality and the precariousness of self-objectification. Set in the historical context of the 1960s—when sexual liberation was altering societal norms, yet genuine female empowerment was frequently disregarded—this piece proffers a nuanced narrative. The painting captures a moment with a porn star from the era, seized through a photographer’s lens. Her direct and unflinching gaze meets the viewers, provoking questions: Is she experiencing empowerment in this moment of capture, or is she merely a pawn in a grander exploitation scheme? The painting nudges us to contemplate the complexities of a period when sexuality was becoming accepted, but respect for women often faltered within the same movement.
Visually, Splayed adopts a subtly vibrant color scheme, with shades of yellow and red taking center stage. Dark purple stockings and a raised skirt punctuated with blue hues add an element of curiosity. The brushwork is intentionally untidy, infusing the piece with a certain rawness and accentuating the hazy boundary between authenticity and exploitation. Undefined edges and bold color applications produce a captivating contrast between light and shadow, further intensifying the theme. Splayed invites viewers to explore broader themes such as consent, individual agency, and the societal pressures women face in expressing their sexuality. The painting challenges us to scrutinize the inherent power dynamics in the act of seeing and the ongoing struggle for women to claim ownership over their bodies and desires.
Type: Original Art
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 14 x 18 in
