Female tragedy is a work about how it’s been impossible to be a woman since the beginning of time.
Two historical women were used as inspiration. Emperess of Austria, Elisabeth in Beieren (Better known as Sisi) and Jeanne d’Arc.
Sisi was only 16 years old when she married her 23 year old cousin, trading her (already limited) freedom for titles. Sisi was obsessed with the way she looked, from the age of 32 she would hide her face with fans and veils. ‘Let death do his work’ she had said. The drawings on her side are inspired by her life. The poem about the swallow is written by her. In the poem she asks for freedom.
Today women are still faced with impossible beauty standards. 13 year old children fry their face with retinol because the internet told them they need to start young. Influencers sell ‘anti wrinkle straws’ and promote Botox to get rid of smile lines and natural aging.
Today women are still faced with impossible beauty standards. 13 year old children fry their face with retinol because the internet told them they need to start young. Influencers sell ‘anti wrinkle straws’ and promote Botox to get rid of smile lines and natural aging.
Jeanne d’Arc was 19 when she was executed for made up crimes. One of which being her wearing men’s clothes. There had been an immense pressure on her shoulders, the face of Maria, who had contacted her. Pressure and responsibility she did not ask for. The drawings are inspired by her life, the prayer directed towards her asks the young girl of so much.
Today women are still under pressure they have not asked for. The responsibility is laid upon their lap. ‘What were you wearing?’ ‘Did you say no?’
Today women are still under pressure they have not asked for. The responsibility is laid upon their lap. ‘What were you wearing?’ ‘Did you say no?’
Being female is a tragedy. Being female is hard. Being female means you will have to be constantly aware of everything, of how you look, of how you behave.
Being female is beautiful. Being female is connecting. We must stand together, help each other. Especially now. The Netherlands has the highest femicide rate in Western Europe. Every 8 days a women gets murdered only for her sex.
We must protect each other in times of need.
We must protect each other in times of need.
Model: Quinn Arts