Part of the Renaissance series
Rennaissance
Artist: Frith Dimension
Medium: Graphite
Dimensions: 320mm x 480mm
Year Created: May 2023
This powerful piece marks the first part of a series exploring the complex and often daunting experience of menopause. While it may evoke fear, it delves deeply into the emotional turmoil many women face during this transformative time. In a society that glorifies fertility and beauty through various media, the onset of menopause can leave women feeling devastated and marginalised.
Drawing from personal experiences, the artist reflects on the challenges of battling menopause symptoms, particularly those affecting mobility. This struggle is compounded by societal expectations, leaving many women feeling abandoned by a universe that has already subjected them to various trials, from periods to childbirth and beyond.
The artwork features an old woman crawling toward the viewer, her intense and unsettling presence almost stalking. The viewer is compelled to confront their discomfort, drawn in by her odd body shape, messy hair, and deformed breasts. This imagery serves as a metaphor for menopause, which approaches relentlessly and confronts us directly.
Yet, the piece transcends mere fear. It symbolises change, highlighted by the presence of butterflies. While the old woman crushes one butterfly, others are emerging in her hair, signifying that she cannot escape the inevitability of transformation. The skull intertwined in her hair represents the death of societal ideals surrounding fertility and beauty. This moment of acceptance allows women to embrace their true selves, free from preconditioned concepts.
The crown placed nonchalantly on the skull signifies a reclamation of power. It symbolises the artist's assertion that women can rise as queens in their own right, shedding societal expectations and embracing their authenticity.
Theme: This artwork confronts the fears surrounding menopause while celebrating the transformative journey it represents. It challenges societal norms regarding beauty and femininity, advocating for the acceptance of change.
Colour Palette: The piece is rendered in greyscale, emphasising the stark reality of the subject matter while allowing the emotional weight of the piece to resonate without distraction.
Textures and Patterns: Fine pencil drawing techniques are employed to enhance the details and intricacies of the figures, highlighting the emotional intensity of the artwork.
Composition: The composition is dynamic, with the figure of the old woman drawing the viewer's attention and inviting them to engage with the deeper themes presented.
Techniques: The artist utilises fine line work and layering to create depth and detail, conveying the complexity of the emotions associated with menopause.
Subject Matter: The main subjects depicted are the old woman and the symbolic elements of butterflies and a skull, representing the fears and transformations associated with menopause.
Inspiration: The artist draws inspiration from personal struggles with menopause, as well as from literature such as “Hagitude," by Sharon Blackie which offers insights into the symbolism of aging and female empowerment.
Through this compelling piece, the artist invites viewers to confront their perceptions of menopause and to recognise the strength and resilience that can emerge during this pivotal stage of life.