My work explores the relationship between stereotypes and how society views them.

Titled Gender Dis-PAIR-ity, this series uses juxtaposition to compare visual representations of

homophones and homonyms. Each piece contains contrasting imagery that is stereotypically

associated with gender.

In the summer of 2016, I conducted research on nail decoration throughout history. I

found that as I conducted this research, people began to ask if my research was on fingernails or

hammer nails. These conversations sparked a piece titled Nails vs Nails, which contrasts the two

types of nails. Noticing the genderization of these objects enticed me to explore other words that

hold a double meaning related to gender.

The paintings are acrylic on canvas which allows for scale adjustment and unrealistic

combinations to be portrayed. Found object sculpture is also present, which was decided to be

the strongest way to represent that particular pair. Each pair has many layers of meaning, and the

viewer may or may not recognize each layer. The sets contain an appealing set of imagery, a

visual representation of a pun, and a representation of a gendered object or stereotype.

This technique is inspired by the minimalist, juxtaposition artist, Vanessa McKeown.

Much like her work, I wish to invite the audience to question what they know about the objects

being represented. Another inspiration is Anatol Knotek, specifically his work on visual

representations of words and language. Many of his pieces inspired me to think outside of the

box when determining titles and themes of the pieces in this series. Lastly, Yang Lius work on

juxtaposing masculine and feminine stereotypes allowed me to look at predisposed stereotypes. I

challenge the viewer to question what they know about these objects that are represented.