Fabric
The Butcher house is an artistic piece that addresses the understanding of the female body in relation to society and gender identity. It draws inspiration from Simone de Beauvoir's ideas and her analysis of how the female body has been historically constructed and limited by social norms and expectations.
The artwork aims to highlight how the female body is often represented and used as a medium to fulfill desires and fantasies, perpetuating stereotypes, and gender roles. This can lead to the reduction of women to their physical appearance and their commodification in industries such as fashion, entertainment, and pornography. The objectification of the female body is considered a means of oppression and control by men and society at large.
The piece utilizes textile as an artistic medium to promote the emancipation from the restrictions imposed by gender norms. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the female body as a central element of identity and experience, beyond being reduced to a mere physical form. Additionally, it seeks to draw attention to societal expectations regarding female appearance and sexuality, which limit and objectify women in various aspects of life.
Overall, “The butcher house" appeals to the necessity for women to recognize themselves as autonomous subjects, seeking equality and freedom in all aspects of life, including their relationship with their own bodies. The artwork aims to generate reflection and awareness about the social and cultural constructs that affect the perception and treatment of the female body.
The Butcher House
Measurement:
Variable
Materials:
Recycled Plastic bags, Wool, Recycled Textiles, Perls
Year Completed:
2023
The butcher house is a four torsos series representing different dimensions of the female body. Each torso is made with different materials and symbolism that allude to the condition and role of women in society.
The first torso is composed of recycled plastic bags wrapped in wool, referencing both the recycling of materials and the role of women in society. At first glance, it appears simple, but it symbolizes all the possibilities and potential of women.
The second torso is made of recycled textiles and decorated with pearls, symbolizing chastity in many cultures. However, the torso is neglected, with loose threads and forgotten stitches, representing the lack of strength and the deterioration of the body.
The third torso in this piece is the result of my collaboration with a male tailor which alludes to masculinity and the profession of tailoring. The torso represents the man who crafts parts of the female body, which can be interpreted as a reference to the male influence in constructing the image and perception of the female body. By combining the textile parts created by both the tailor and me, the result is a rigid torso with feminine touches. This blending of influences aims to challenge traditional gender categories and explore a reinterpretation of identity and gender expression. Additionally, the torsos have applications of antique wedding dresses, which also allude to the enduring role of good wife.
The fourth torso utilizes the same textile parts as the previous ones, but with more pronounced curves and fluidity. This visual representation suggests a body that is in the process of transformation and reassembly. It represents a body that is beginning to change. It evokes a sense of movement, vitality, and freedom in contrast to the rigidity of the previous torsos. The body is in the process of transformation, implying a process of reinterpretation and openness to other possibilities.
The four torsos are arranged in a structure resembling a butcher house, where pieces of meat are hung on visible hooks for customers. This arrangement challenges social norms and traditional aesthetic conventions by presenting the torsos as objects of visual exhibition.
Butcher House Denim
Measurement:
Variable
Materials:
Recycled Plastic bags, Wool, Recycled Textiles, Denim
Year Completed:
2023
With this piece, I aim to depict a narrative about women's history, emphasizing gender neutrality, resilience, sustainability, and empowerment. This artwork is a celebration of the diversity and strength of women throughout time, encapsulated in an everyday object: blue jeans.
These pants have witnessed several decades of human history, spanning different eras and contexts, from the time of American slavery to cultural movements like rock and roll and the hippie era, just as women did. They have been worn by both men and women, symbolizing gender neutrality.
All the jeans that make up this piece belonged to my middle daughter, who, for me, is a symbol of resistance and freedom. In this way, I symbolically hand over the reins to the new generations to continue the fight for gender equality.
