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ARTIST STATEMENT
My inspiration comes from the women in my life. I quite literally use them as my subject matter to link the psychological ramifications brought on by the exploitation of women. I explore how the problems women face, such as the male gaze, impact mental health. The male gaze dehumanizes women, portraying them as physical objects existing solely for the pleasures and fantasies of heterosexual males. I use photography and printmaking to make an intangible concept perceivable by visually conveying the consequences of female exploitation on mental health. Photography allows me the creative freedom to work intimately with a model while communicating a narrative. By using flash photography, I control the illumination of my subject from creating ghostlike images to harsh highlights and shadows; this aesthetic combined with black and white imagery stimulates a mood and evokes emotion. With printmaking I am influenced by Andy Warhol, who used repetition to symbolize society’s inability to view celebrities as humans. This media allows me to manipulate my photography with recurring imagery, symbolizing the mental anguish caused by repeated exposure to female objectification. In this exhibition, I use my Marilyn Monroe series titled, The Dark Side of Beauty, to confront the detrimental effects of the male gaze. The representation of women in the entertainment industry influences society’s perception of women’s value, sexuality and purpose. Marilyn’s persona was controlled by the male gaze narrative, reducing her value as a person to a commodity defined by the male perspective.
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The influence of the male gaze seeps into female self-perception and self-esteem. As women, we internalize this gaze resulting in feelings of shame and inferiority which leads to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and self-harm. Marilyn wanted to be seen for her accomplishments, wit and character, but she was never allowed to be viewed as anything more than a sex object. This devalued her self-worth leading to alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide. Decades later society continues to reduce Marilyn to this dehumanization without addressing how she is an iconic example of the psychological effects of the male gaze.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Erica Thrift is a professional artist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Minor in Psychology from Valdosta State University. She draws her inspiration from a collection of experiences, both her own and those of the important women in her life. The intimate process of photography allows her to incorporate these women into her work, conveying their personal stories.
Printmaking grants her the ability to manipulate her photography with repetitious imagery, echoing the desensitization of women’s struggles. Thrift’s artworks challenge viewers to recognize the psychological ramifications brought on by the exploitation and social constructs of women. She connects women’s sociopolitical issues, religious trauma, modern witch culture and mental health from a feminist perspective. Her work as been shown at The Turner Art Center during the 2021 Spring into Art exhibition and the Martha G Smart Student Gallery, Teeny Tiny Print Exchange. She also collaborated with a group of artists on a mural commission for North Brooks Elementary School in Morven, GA. Thrift plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design at Full Sail University.
Erica Thrift is a professional artist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Minor in Psychology from Valdosta State University. She draws her inspiration from a collection of experiences, both her own and those of the important women in her life. The intimate process of photography allows her to incorporate these women into her work, conveying their personal stories.
Printmaking grants her the ability to manipulate her photography with repetitious imagery, echoing the desensitization of women’s struggles. Thrift’s artworks challenge viewers to recognize the psychological ramifications brought on by the exploitation and social constructs of women. She connects women’s sociopolitical issues, religious trauma, modern witch culture and mental health from a feminist perspective. Her work as been shown at The Turner Art Center during the 2021 Spring into Art exhibition and the Martha G Smart Student Gallery, Teeny Tiny Print Exchange. She also collaborated with a group of artists on a mural commission for North Brooks Elementary School in Morven, GA. Thrift plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design at Full Sail University.
Dissimulation,
Screen printing,
18” x 24” ,
2021
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Loss of Self, Digital Photography, 2021
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Drowning,
Digital Photography,
2021
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