"Fire And Thorns,” a vibrant and contemporary figurative painting by female artist Elli Maanpää, sparks conversation on gendered expectations, featuring a girl's expression of anger.
FIRE AND THORNS
Acrylic on canvas || 75 cm x 135 cm ||  2023
In "Fire And Thorns," a powerful narrative unfolds through the striking imagery of a girl stomping her feet and marching forward, her expression seething with anger. Atop her head rests an object open to interpretation: to some, it appears as a large bow, symbolizing society's expectations for girls to conform to notions of cuteness and passivity, stifling their voices and emotions. Yet, for others, it resembles a ball, evoking the act of heading a ball in sports—a display of strength and determination.
This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of allowing girls to express their anger and frustration when warranted, challenging the societal norms that often demand their silence and compliance. By acknowledging and validating the full spectrum of girls' emotions, we take a step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
Displayed at the Artina exhibition in Ratina, Tampere, Finland in 2023, the figurative painting invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of gendered expectations and expressions
ART EXHIBITIONS
2023    Artina, Ratina, Tampere, Finland
Displayed at the Artina art exhibition in 2023.
Displayed at the Artina art exhibition in 2023.
Figurative painting features a girl's expression of anger.
Figurative painting features a girl's expression of anger.
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