Wanbyeogjuui

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CONTENT WARNING: This content contains or explores content that touches on any of the following topics: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal); aspects of psychology and mental health and contains depictions of self harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicide; swears or curses; hurtful or hateful language; discrimination (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender orientation); aspects of pregnancy; blood, violence, assault, kidnapping, trauma, or dying. Please read or view with care.

Violet A.

I created this artwork digital on IbisPaint X. On the drawing app, I used a variety of brushes including a hard edge brush, a soft edge brush, a smudging tool, a airbrush, a coarse textured brush, a chalk textured brush, a stippling pen and a paper texture overlay.

• Artist Statement

  For this piece I covered generational trauma and the concept of plastic surgery as a graduation gift. This work was inspired by my own experiences with beauty and being questioned about what my graduation gift would be, something I never considered possible. The mother’s hands on the daughter symbolizes her expectation for the daughter to carry the weight of her beliefs confiding into beauty standards. Paired with the mother’s fishhook earrings, reflecting how the mother, too, was a victim of such standards, this reflects an internalized belief that plastic surgery is needed in order to keep up with one’s peers (especially in East Asian countries). Through this piece, I wanted to show these pressures aren’t always from viewing one as “ugly” but rather a sad form of love wanting your daughter to fit in.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is the way I not only derive enjoyment but uplift others. Drawing drawings for friends seeing them excitedly smile makes me happy. Moreover, being able to bring their dreams and ideas to life is rewarding and I hope to continue making works that make me and others happy.