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.