Final (Allyson)

 

"I Am Woman" by Allyson Merchan

For my final project I decided to draw/paint an image that represents me; however, it can represent many other women as well. A little background into my image: the woman drawn is a representation of me. For many years I have always "lived" in a box of many labels: people always dictating my every move. However, by viewing my image you do not see any hurtful words and that is because those words used to define me do not have a place in my mind nor body. What I am is a perfectly imperfect woman who strives against what anyone has to say. This image is influenced by Frida Kahlo. Although Kahlo's artworks are mainly expressing how her life was which many describe it as suffering and pain: I decided to portray the opposite while still being influenced by Kahlo's work. I feel as though this final self-portrait I was able to connect with myself in s deeper level. Both were inspired by Kahlo; however, this portrait takes a deeper look into my mind and how I view myself rather than what is on the surface. What influenced these changes was that I let myself be free from all the negativity that was surrounding me and began to embrace the positive aspects of myself. I am someone who is very quiet and reserved, I allowed myself to fall into the box many wanted me to be in but reflecting on past experiences and thinking about the artists we have studied in this class, I was able to realized that I am not alone.