Entomology of a Developing Feminist

2015

(1) 10"x10" frame, (2) 8"x8" frames

Paper, wax, cosmetics, sculpey, pin

Entomology of a Developing Feminist is part of a larger series in which insects are given anthropomorphic qualities to represent different concepts. This piece in particular is based off of the artists own experiences of coming of age and identifying as a feminist. In American society, the feminist movement is still a popular topic. Often times women are encouraged to celebrate and speak up for equality. The butterflies and moth were chosen as an insect representative of traditional beauty. The choice to display them in frames typical of the entomological studies of captured butterflies is representational of the idea that every movement and individual participating in a movement in still scrutinized harshly at times. The figures are put on display in a vulnerable manner while being impaled by pins to hold them down because in the instances of feminists speaking up for themselves there are many people who oppose their choice to breach change, even when that change is supposed to be a beautiful revelation. 

The central figure is a self portrait of the artist. While the other figures were created in the likenesses of two infamous women representing resilience in other countries in order to show that this issue is global, and transcendent between races, religions and cultures all over the world. The butterfly on the left was created in the likeness of Aung San Suu Kyi, a woman held under house arrest in Burma for almost 15 to 21 years for speaking out against government. The figure on the right was created in the likeness of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a women from Nigeria who has become a prominent writer, author and speaker on the subject of feminism. Whether larger political figures or an individual in the infancy of their career, these figures represent the demoralizing obstacles that feminists face as well as individuals that are part of any other movement focused on change.