Presence Through Absence: Gender, Surrealism and the Un-Real Woman

My creative practice delves into the complexities of self-representation, challenging viewers with its compositional simplicity and deeply esoteric visual language. Through practice-led research, I explore how recent socio-cultural and political shifts are transforming the portrayal of identity, gender, and the self in the West, particularly through the eyes of female artists associated with Surrealism.

My art is a visceral reflection of lived experiences, enriched by a deep engagement with politics, history, and philosophy. I employ techniques rooted in Surrealism to navigate the multifaceted nature of womanhood, examining the subtle tensions within the duality of the natural and the socially constructed aspects of identity formation.

The foundation of my work lies in an exploration of domestic social history, feminism, and gender theory. I probe the tacit knowledge acquired through a gendered upbringing—knowledge that is deeply embedded in context, experience, and socio-cultural values. This research-driven approach serves as both a personal and universal exploration of the influences that shape identity.

My lens-based art invites engagement in a contemplative experience, where each piece serves as a mirror reflecting the complexities of identity and the subtleties of self-perception. This practice-led research not only prompts reflection on the external pressures of societal norms but also on the internal struggles to reconcile them. Through evocative imagery, I offer a thought-provoking perspective on the ever-evolving narrative of gender and identity in contemporary culture. My art challenges viewers to question not only the societal norms that define us but also the inner landscapes we navigate in the search for authenticity.

The following images are a selection of research images created. The analogue manipulation questions the concept of reality.