Beauty standards and social norms

In the exhibition I explored the theme of beauty standards - beauty standards are social norms and expectations about physical appearance that are considered desirable in a particular society or culture. They are often perpetuated by media, advertising, and popular culture, and can have a significant impact on individuals’ self-esteem, body image, and mental health. There is ongoing debate and discussion about the negative effects of unrealistic beauty standards and the need for more diverse and inclusive representation in media and popular culture.

The main idea that has been explored within my artworks is the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, given that many of my portraits do not feature a full face rather some parts of it or it is covered, representing that appearance is not something that defines us. Other ideas that have been explored in my artworks comment on the need for more diversity and representation in media and advertising, the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity and the role of media and social media in shaping beauty ideals and its impact on young people, as seen in the collage. These concepts, issues, and ideas are interconnected and often intersect with one another, highlighting the complex nature of beauty standards and their impact on individuals and society.

In my artworks I decided to experiment and challenge myself through the use and experimentation of more materials. For one artwork I decided to use oil paint as it provides a luminous and smooth texture which I wanted for my painting as it had to convey that sense of sameness. Acrylic paint was used to create smooth and defined lines which can represent the ideal of a perfect, flawless appearance that is often associated with beauty standards. At the same time, the bold and vibrant colors that I used tried to aim to convey a sense of confidence and self-expression, challenging the narrow definition of beauty that is often promoted by mainstream media. The fluid nature of watercolor used to paint the heart was interpreted to convey the fragility and transience of beauty, suggesting that it is momentary and easily lost. Beauty standards can be used as a starting point for investigating and challenging societal norms and standards for beauty as well as the effects of these standards on people and groups. When viewing the exhibition, the viewer has the opportunity to interact with the artwork and material on display while considering their own experiences and ideals of beauty. In this manner, the interaction between an audience and beauty standards is one of empowerment and awareness.

Emma Fusi

KEVIN LU