Hungry Hoedown
Oil on canvas, digital rendering
2023
In our modern world, the influence of consumer objects and social media intensify the challenges faced by young women. Barbie, a symbol of unattainable perfection from my childhood, holds personal significance for many, regardless of gender. Here, Barbie rides a broccoli with a seemingly forced smile, representing the pressure to conform to societal ideals of beauty and health. The broccoli, a symbol of dietary restraint often associated with societal pressures, is juxtaposed with candy wrappers, symbolizing the temptation and scrutiny faced by individuals striving to meet these standards.
Through this artwork, presented as a dynamic GIF, I constructed the composition through fragmented painting pieces, transforming traditional painting into a digital realm, amplifying its surreal and discomforting nature. My intention is to provoke discomfort and encourage viewers to reflect on the constraints imposed by societal norms, particularly on young girls. The use of surreal and unattainable hues serves as a commentary on the irrational standards that dictate one must achieve Barbie-like perfection to be deemed worthy of love or acceptance. This work captures the contemporary experience, where the presence of societal expectations result in a dystopian portrayal of our reality.
