The Headless Nude

Throughout history, the female body has been a focal point of contention. The female has faced curation and manipulation, to conform to the ideals of femininity produced by a patriarchal dominant society. The works created seek to challenge these notions, by portraying the female body truthfully, and unedited. Through the tactile medium of clay, these sculpted women have been grounded against the ease of digital manipulation rampant in social media. Within these sculptures, ‘imperfections’ are not avoided, bumps, curves and asymmetries are integral to reflecting women’s experiences.

Removed in this body of work is gaze, in doing so there will be a shift from the traditional power dynamic in viewing art. The viewer’s ability to hold dominance over the subject and objectify them with their gaze has been removed and subverted. The sculptures are no longer objects for viewer consumption, but entities with their individual narratives and powers.

Viewers are invited to consider the dialogues around body image, identity, and empowerment, with these conversations open, perhaps we can take a step towards a more inclusive and respectful understanding of beauty and humanity.