kailee elisha batson - mixed media visual artist

        “This One is Pink, This One is Blue…" visually portrays my struggles and acceptance of the constraints of academia. An intention to let each of the works develop organically was emphasized from the beginning. Conceptual, “higher” academic thinking was carefully placed to the side. A simple rendering of objects from observation eventually come to suggest meaning as they unravel in the composition.

        The dichotomy, as well as synchronicity, of the male and female duality is explored through the use of every young girl and boy’s favorite colors, pink and blue, respectively. My choice in color palette is used in conjunction with the female figure as a means of discussing the identity of woman and her place in the world. A figure is included in many of these pieces, paired with snake’s skin, wasp’s nests, and floral motifs, creating a conversation between women and their ethereal environments, embracing their supposed frailty and realizing their true strength. My choice of opposing colors representative of male and female identity begs the question: How is it that color is so regulated by gender?

        On view with these works are oil paintings of farm animals. These animals may be construed as symbols of masculinity imposed on the theoretical female weakness. For instance, the rooster terrorizes the hen, tearing feathers from her neck as a demonstration of male dominance. A conversation of gender and societal hierarchy is created amongst pieces when an image of a rooster is placed next to a reclined nude woman.

        All description of meaning discussed in this statement is intentionally an after-thought, and thus simultaneously an unintentional concept is created. Some of the artwork is inspired by quotes, thoughts evoked during a figure drawing session, or a walk around the farm. I make art for the pure joy of creating.