Cosmetic Appeal
2007
Cosmetic Appeal is a series of
self-portraits created entirely with beauty products.
Specific products are used in correlation with the related
feature. For example, the lips are painted with lipsticks
and glosses, foundations and rouge make up the facial
tones, and eyeliners, pencils and eye shadows color the
eyes.
Utilizing a medium created to conceal, I reveal an
awareness of female sexuality and power possessed by
confidant women. Many women rely on physical appearance to
manipulate and attract men, but it is a self-confident
woman that possesses true power.
These portraits create ambiguity - are the women powerful
within, or do they use cosmetics to create an illusion of
power that masks their true selves? It is a series
objective to uncover truth. When the drawing beneath
surfaces, will people like what they see? As the makeup
fades or flakes off, will the portraits become less
appealing; the faces less attractive? Will I feel the urge
to do some "touch-ups?"
I will not return to them. The life of these portraits is
as significant as their creation.
Cosmetic Appeal