screwed

2024

I’ve long been fascinated by the contrast between materials. The relationship between rigid metal and more organic elements like fabric has become a significant focus in my practice. One example of this is my sculptural textile work, screwed, which aims to highlight the double standards imposed on female bodies by the patriarchy. My choice of found materials symbolizes these disparities. The foundation is fabric taken from a white cotton dress, symbolizing the unrealistic standard of purity. The fabric is stained with menstrual blood, which is considered impure, and overlapped with pieces from red lace lingerie. This red lace represents the conflicting sexual expectations placed upon women. Crocheted white fabric frames the piece, symbolizing clitoral liberation among societal constraints. The incorporation of screws into the delicate fabric reinforces the inherent injustices of intercourse, symbolizing male penetration. Additionally, there's a subtle wordplay with the term "screwed," alluding to both the literal act of intercourse and the metaphorical idea of being deceived or exploited. The artwork encapsulates the enduring paradoxes, with half of the population remaining screwed over.

"screwed" was part of the Artists Against Oppression Exhibit in the CCC Student Center April-December 2024, curated by Students for Justice in Palestine at Columbia College Chicago.