Hannah Allen

Thick Skin

3D Studio Art- Sculpture

Many women have been conditioned to seek validation and approval from society in order to feel fulfill and accepted, leading to mental health issues that result in stress, anxiety and self-harm. Their bodies are objectified daily and idealized to unattainable standards. I am calling attention to specific parts of the body women tend to be insecure of and isolating them within individual frames. The female figure should be praised for all it is capable of and accepted no matter the appearance.

For my capstone exhibition, physical female insecurities are put on display in the form of framed latex molds. Each piece is partially filled with packing peanuts, awaiting to be fully packed. Peanuts slowly escape the bottom of each piece giving them the constantly need to be filled. Women’s relationships with their bodies have been heavily influenced by the strong opinion of society for centuries. The viewers of this piece are encouraged to take packing peanuts and place them in each piece in attempts to fill the mold to its full potential. The peanuts can represent a variety of things and feelings such as anxiety or “butterflies,” affirmations, validation, everything women have been conditioned to crave in order to feel whole or fulfilled. By participating, the viewer is acting in place of society and taking part in the validation process.