Iliana

My body of work explores the observation of the female body and human expressions amongst the judgmental aspects of society in terms of perfection and beauty norms. This exploration is conveyed through the illustration of figurative works, achieved through different mediums and techniques. My aim is to capture a reflective response by the audience to reinterpret the importance of accepting bodies for what they are and not what they shall be according to abstract and unrealistic norms. My thematic journey is driven by a desire to challenge and critique the continuous standards dictating females both physically and emotionally in a patriarchal society. My work offers a nuanced perspective that celebrates authenticity, diversity, and individualism. The choice of materials reflects the complexity of the fine line between fragility and strength, aligning with the delicate yet resilient nature of the subject matter.

The key pieces of my exhibition can be identified as Twisted Reflections, which acts as the centerpiece due to its confrontational proportions of an imperfect body. This sculpture was created using a traditionally proportioned mannequin and manipulating forms by adding layers of newspaper to create larger, buffier features, adding mass and weight to the female body. I then worked with clay to smooth out and contain the form, shaping the newly modified proportions, which was then coated in Mod Roc and left in its raw form to avoid beautifying the piece. The process of this work mirrors the uncomfortable feeling of turning what seemed to be a beautiful concept into an unappreciated, overweight mass, visually challenging myself and the audience to accept uncommon manifestations of beauty. This ideology of challenging the audience was influenced by Jenny Saville’s work and Lucian Freud's raw and unfiltered approaches to depicting figures. The creation of raw human emotion and the critique of societal standards is a strong part of their artistic creations, reinforcing my will to create pieces that spark reflection rather than acting purely on visual satisfaction. Additionally, the rebellious spirit of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement and the emotional depth of Romanticism and Abstract Art have significantly shaped my creative process, seeking to provoke thought and evoke sympathy.

Moreover, the photographic series Dynamic Transitions notes my journey from studying bodies to faces and expressions, dynamically exploring emotions and raw appearances in unflattering states, forcing viewers to sit with the uncomfortable and understand the broader societal critique.