Crazed Standards
Kaiya J.
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This photo is an abstract representation of my view of societal standards for teenage girls. I put bright red makeup on my model - red eyeshadow, red lips, and red cheeks - to represent the need for girls to have to wear makeup to fit Eurocentric beauty standards. However, I took the idea of makeup to the next level by making it so extreme. I also incorporated tulle and pearls as a visual representation of standards around the stereotypical way girls have been told to dress (very feminine). In addition, I presented the prop of the tape ruler to the demeaning body ideals put on young girls which can lead to issues around self esteem and body image. I wanted to include a crazed look to the model as well to show the effects of the societal standards placed on girls. I made the model's hair messy and had her make a wide eyed expression to show her inability to fit perfectly and gracefully into the standards meant to define her. I wanted to showcase the fact that societal expectations though meant to, do not define girls and that we are able to push back and make our own standards.
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I was angry about my inability to openly express my queer identity and the pressure of being a girl. I didn't what to do with my emotions. Though I’m still finding my voice and style as an artist, art has taught me how to love myself and learn to recognize the love and power around me.
