Constraints of Venus
Concrete & Fabric
7” x 7’’ x 6’
2025
I found the visual differences between concrete and organic designs to be very alluring. I researched images of concrete appearing more fluid-like and imagined how this might look. The images that I found reminded me of women trying to fit themselves into smaller garments of clothing to purposely accentuate their figures to appear curvier and more slender. This was the basis for my sculpture. Female tights and corsets are articles of clothing most often used to obtain the feminine ideal; however, I wanted my piece to convey the constraints this has on a person. The piece as a whole is very weighted signifying to its viewer how societal standards of beauty can be oppressive. I chose to hang my design to further play with this idea. To conceal how my work would be hung, I formed concrete clamshell-like pieces to cover the fixture symbolizing the Birth of Venus and idolized versions of femininity. I worked with light blue fabric ropes, tights, and sheer knit to hang, wrap, and connect the pieces to give the illusion of its mass spilling out due to it being constrained too tightly. Blue is not often associated with femininity in the modern age; however, historically it was. In paintings, It is the color shown being worn by the Virgin Mary who symbolizes eternal virginity within patriarchal structures.
WorkCVContact