Weight of a Generation

Body image. 
Self-worth.
Body shaming.

The quiet weight of expectation.

"Weight of a Generation" explores the lasting imprint of 90s and 2000s beauty standards—the unspoken rules that shaped how an entire generation saw themselves. It reflects the culture of body shaming that was deeply embedded in media, conversations, and personal experiences, shaping self-perception in ways that linger long after the moment has passed.

Through soft yet intentional washes of browns, beiges, whites, and subtle pinks, this piece embodies the tension between gentleness and pressure, between self-criticism and self-acceptance. The deep browns, layered with delicate white marks, symbolise the internalised narratives—whispers of inadequacy, the constant measuring up. The softer pinks and open spaces represent a new narrative: liberation, self-love, and the reclamation of worth beyond appearance. The organic lines flow like the process of healing, imperfect but intentional, mirroring the work of unlearning and rewriting. The small scattered spots throughout the piece hold significance. They are the remnants of past thoughts—the lingering voices that once dictated worth. Some are faded, dissolving into the layers, while others remain bold, a reminder of how deeply ingrained these ideals once were. Yet, instead of erasing them, they are embraced as part of the story, transformed into something new. Framed in black, the piece acknowledges the shadow of those influences, yet within it, light emerges—bold, unapologetic, and free.

This work is not just about reflection. It is about release. It is about stepping beyond what was once imposed and embracing the self as whole, as enough.

MEDIUM
Mixed Media on canvas - acrylic, oil pastel, ink, paper, pencil

DIMENSIONS
64 x 94cm (Framed)