On the Prowl

Oil on canvas

What do we consider beauty, and who do we try to be beautiful for? From my portrait series featuring women donning beauty masks, the paintings speak to vanity and beauty standards in modern society. Just in the past decade, social media has created a platform in which unrealistic standards of beauty have been exemplified. These masks in my work hint at working to achieve these standards. However, these masks are not typically seen by others and exist within a private realm, and because of this, there exists an irony in their stark presentation to the public. Additionally, there are defining features within my paintings that demonstrate a lack of conformity to societal norms and which dismantle the notion of the male gaze. There are contradictions and dualities that I play with in the imagery to spark questions for the viewer.