Challenging the given is always at the core of my work- whether in 2D or 3D, I aim to create spaces fit for tangible reflection. These inquisitions are not exclusively for topics of social anxiety, but also to humorously celebrate absurd aspects of human nature. When exploring subjects of apprehension, it is vital to me that my work is appealing enough to be a secure space for introspection devoid of accusations or cancel culture, so that the viewer is encouraged to progress through self-inquiry confidently. The reflective spaces I endeavour to produce imitate the line of questioning fuelling my work- I want that same impetus to be passed on to the viewer.
This year I have been aiming to produce work that is immediately visually striking enough to stand out to viewers amongst the excessive sea of media we consume every day. I did not want to create work which gains attention by using shock value or dramatic text as I feel they fail to maintain that deep level of attention for very long and instead aimed to produce a sense of charisma and eeriness simultaneously.
The Big Head series has enabled me to capture a satirical tone by enlarging and caricaturing both myself and general female iconography. The work in this document explores the disparity of identities imposed onto women and those designed through ones own agency, the muteness of each work highlights the voice of women in the obsessive debates over their existence. Big Heads! Get Bigger specifically combats the inflicted pressure for women to not take up space physically, socially, culturally, in conversation and in some way through every aspect of their lives. The three heads in ECA’s prime location suspended looming over viewers’ heads make us consider why women in foremost focus, without sexualisation or extensive alteration is not common in our media and visual landscape. Niamh Layson
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