Marie Sahy
My work explores how I can use the medium of the graphic novel in painting and extend it into the gallery space. From a personal photographic resource, I make up fictions featuring family members and friends. I give them different roles from the reality and change their environment. With humour, I address themes such as feminism and gender roles. I take inspiration from my own personal life, creating scenes which allow me to comment on society.
I use techniques such as water-based paint and ornament that are often associated with a feminine sensibility. On one hand I want to honour women in history: the art that was acceptable for them to produce, and the crafts they mastered working at home. On the other hand, I am using these codes ironically to revolt against the prejudices associated with how women are supposed to express their sensibility.
I want to reclaim the term “feminine” and give it a new signification, freed from its old associations. If the word is associated with the gender, then maybe it should just describe something made by a woman or someone who self-identifies as one. Not just something pretty, soft, containing flowers or expressing a sweet feeling. Therefore, feminine could also describe something hard, logical, well-built, and minimal.
Using graphic novel elements such as speech bubbles, I’m able to communicate my message differently from the traditional fine art codes. Therefore, I question what is allowed to be part of that selective club and where to draw the line between low art and fine art, if there is any to trace.
Contact Marie Sahy
- hey@mariesahy.com
- Website
- https://mariesahy.com/
- @mariesahy