Roses are Blue, Violets are Blue and Ladies are too
Sophie Dickinson
presented by
TooT Artspace
St Kilda
Unpacking a public and private self, informed by feminine stereotypes and pop culture, this series delves into a conversation between physical appearance and internal monologue. Imagery sourced from popular Euro/American based television shows such as Skins or Gossip Girl are scattered throughout the series.
The Hollywood mould that a teenage girl fits is highlighted through the reproducible medium, cyanotype, one of the rare photographic techniques made known by a woman, Anna Atkins. Layers of typically feminine associated symbols such as roses are able to be repeated throughout the works, with the cyanotype blue reflecting the monotonous nature of female stereotypes.
In contrast to this, embroidery is used to spell out an internal monologue. Phrases that would disturb the cool, party girl facade that Iffy and Serena van der Woodsen ooze, overlap the imagery.
A tension is created between Hollywood’s romanticised version of a teenage girl and the more everyday thoughts of a young woman. In doing so, a humanness is exposed, often concealed by societal expectations of appearance and behaviour informed and reiterated by popular television.
OPENING CELEBRATION
Saturday 20 July
4.30–6.30pm
Exhibition runs until July 28, 2019
TOOT ARTSPACE
5/17 Irwell Street St Kilda 3182
Open Thurs-Sat 11-5pm, Sun 12.30-3pm or by appointment
TooT Artspace respectfuly acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which it operates and pays our respects to their Elders past, present and future
