Metamorphosis

2023

24” x 18”

oil painting on canvas, wooden canvas frame, translucent plastic sheet

Metamorphosis captures the transformation of self-perception, shaped and often distorted by societal standards. I chose this title to reflect the ongoing changes we undergo, especially as external pressures blur our own identities. The two women, positioned on opposite sides of the canvas, embody contrasting aspects of themselves: one introspective, the other outward-looking. They’re separated yet linked by a vibrant blue centre, representing the tension between self and societal expectations. Covering the painting with translucent plastic allows the image to shift when touched, symbolizing the fluidity and fragility of identity. As the plastic moves, it reveals how beauty standards can cloud our understanding of ourselves, illustrating a metamorphosis that’s both empowering and unsettling. Through this piece, I explore how our self-view evolves, often shaped by forces beyond our control.