In this thought-provoking series of paintings, Jessica Soares skillfully navigates the complex interplay between identity, perception, and societal expectations. The works play with the use of wigs and scarves as masks, featuring figures adorned in vibrant Victorian dresses that perform hyper-femininity. The inclusion of etchings depicting plants in various stages of life—half dying and part blooming—further enhances the theme of transition and transformation.
The frames within the paintings become symbols of our preoccupation with image, while the omnipresent hand mirror serves a dual role—both as a confronting and distorting element, inviting viewers to question the authenticity of the reflection they see.
September 18, 2023
