Lulu Coll-
For my revisionist storytelling project, I decided to draw a beast-like animal surrounded by elements of beauty. I intentionally mixed contrasting themes, raw, animalistic energy (by using a literal moose stuffed animal) with delicate and traditionally “feminine” symbols like makeup, jewelry, and even a small pot of art at the bottom of the piece. I wanted to explore the tension between natural identity and societal expectations, especially the pressure placed on people, particularly women, to look or behave a certain way. There’s this unspoken rule in society that you have to use certain products, wear the right things, or present yourself in a way that fits a specific mold. That pressure can feel overwhelming and unnatural, which is why I chose to depict a beast—something wild and unfiltered—dressed up in a way that doesn’t necessarily feel true to its nature. I wanted to question what “beauty” really means and who gets to define it. The contrast in my piece is meant to feel a little off, maybe even uncomfortable, because I think that’s how many people feel when they’re forced to conform. This project was a chance for me to reflect on those ideas and express them visually in a way that felt personal and real.