What Gave You That Impression(?)
Bridges Art Movement, 5-115 3 Ave S, Saskatoon, SK
Solo Exhibition – April–May 2025
Photography by Bob Deutscher
What Gave You That Impression
“What Gave You That Impression(?)” is a collection of paintings that delves into themes of surveillance, gender performance, consent, and the complexities of transitioning in and out of girlhood. These works respond to this question that doubles as a statement: “what gave you that impression” highlights the impressions left, both physically and metaphorically, by the world on a female presenting body in the modern era. Marks left from a tight bra strap; a tear-streaked cheek; a complex expression. While considering how these personal impressions are left upon oneself, the work simultaneously turns the lens onto the viewer by asking “what gave you that impression?” Female bodies, by simply existing, are often tied to misread impressions which subject them to judgement, surveillance, and misinterpretation.
Each scene portrays a metaphorically layered impression created by an intrinsically female experience through bold and striking colour palettes, highlighting the discomfort, frustrations, liberations, or joys that accompany girlhood. These scenes pose ideas that could encourage questions around how female bodies experience the world. Beyond their granular motifs, these scenes represent the impressions that make you who you were / are / will be, and are accompanied by quotes as titles that left a lasting impression on me from my journey through adolescence.
In this display, I am setting up an imbalance where continuous looking between the audience and the artworks is recognizably inapt. Each artwork becomes something one doesn't wish to look away from, even though they might feel that they should. With the intention to reflect on the imposed objectification of the female form, I want my work to confront the spectator, critiquing this imbalance by exposing it and embracing it all at once. By displaying these motifs and layers of the gaze in the form of self- portraits, I hope to relay my experiences, frustrations, and acceptance that come with being a woman.
“This Isn’t the Rowen Show” - age 6 (left), "You're a Natural Leader" - age 10 (right)
“This Isn’t the Rowen Show” - age 6 is an exploration of bold colour and bold emotion. My portrait expresses a vulnerable yet powerful moment of frustration and outcry, visibly depicting emotion that we all feel within ourselves but often don’t allow to show for fear of maintaining the illusion of composure. This portrait challenges the viewer to confront the intensity of their own suppressed feelings and invites a deeper empathy for the emotional honesty of childhood. Women, in particular, are often discouraged from expressing intense anger or frustration—emotions deemed unacceptable or “unladylike.” Through this display, my cry is a loud act of rebellion against the expectations of how women––and myself––should behave.
I believe that the title of an artwork provides incredible context into its meaning. Through my artistic process, the paintings from this collection have been created independently from their titles––pairing each title with each artwork intuitively. Each provides insight into the impressions left upon me through memorable words and conversations throughout my life––no matter how significant or insignificant they may seem. Each title acts as its own study of self that compliments each artwork and provokes deeper consideration towards how words leave impact.
I’ve always been headstrong and sure of myself. As a young girl, I was considered “bossy” for directing my playmates to go along with my vision of how we should play pretend. I was often overheard doing so over the baby monitor at daycare, and was bitterly scolded and told “this isn’t the Rowen show” time after time. Growing older, I recalled these encounters often and accompanied them in my mind alongside contradicting comments from teachers suggesting that I am a natural leader, destined for greatness. Overtime, the condescending nature of the original narrative behind “this isn’t the Rowen show” grew into confidence within myself that reminds me that I am bright, bold, and worth listening to.