My work is focused on the female gaze and relooking at the female nude in art. I am experimenting with symbolism in my work, currently inspired by Greek mythology and how views on the female body are relatable in contempory culture.
The paintings respond to a narrative influenced by social media, gender roles, representations of the female body, and perceptions of female beauty.
I am not interested in representing women in normal conventions of beauty. The reference of mythological characters add meaning to the paintings. These women are not afraid of the gaze. However they challenge the viewer to interact and respond to how women are individually reclaiming the representation of their own bodies.
My style of quick gestures, mark making and disinterest in pretty or beautiful, supports the idea of subverting the gaze and challenging the viewer to think about the female body in a new way.
Jennifer Smith
