Amid the common stereotypes perpetuated by men toward women, such as the belief that “women belong in the kitchen,” there exists a rigid expectation for women to embody an idealized femininity: graceful, beautiful, and sweet. However, the truth is far more nuanced.
Women are multifaceted beings, capable of both elegance and rawness. They can be messy, chaotic, rude, and primal. Despite societal pressures to maintain a polished exterior, women are fundamentally human — capable of embracing their imperfections and authenticity.
In this series, my aim was to unveil a side of womanhood rarely depicted — a woman embracing her true self unapologetically. It’s about navigating the delicate balance of presenting oneself as sweet and approachable on the surface while harboring a rich complexity within.
I focused on exploring spaces that serve as sanctuaries for women, where they can shed societal norms and simply exist. The bathroom emerges as one such refuge — a place where women convene to escape social pressures, engage in shared rituals like makeup, or sing their hearts out in the privacy of a shower turned concert hall.
Similarly, the kitchen holds a special significance. I especially noticed while living with girls, it’s where, after a taxing day, we find solace in each other’s company, lying together on the floor, sharing our joys and sorrows over a meal or a cup of tea. Yet, the kitchen also serves as a metaphorical battleground, where stereotypes weaponized against women often surface.
The inception of this series was marked by vibrant hues and whimsical imagery juxtaposed against the backdrop of stereotypical spaces assigned to women. The bathroom and kitchen, though sanctuaries for female camaraderie, are also arenas where women are subjected to ridicule for seeking solace. It’s within these dichotomies — between sanctuary and scrutiny, expectation and authenticity — that the complexities and contradictions of womanhood come to light. Through my work, I aim to challenge these stereotypes and celebrate the resilience and diversity inherent in womanhood.
