The Art Office and curator Vittoria Beltrame are excited to present Big Girl Pants, a duo exhibition showcasing works from artists Corinna Spencer and Mia Wilkinson, taking place from the 13th till the 27th of March.
Curated by Vittoria Beltrame, the exhibition presents works that confront and subvert conventional representations of the female form through the exaggerated portrayal of women's bodies and expressions. Their work distorts and amplifies the curves, proportions, and features of the female figure, transforming it into a caricature that defies traditional ideals of beauty. By manipulating these bodily traits, and placing them in either outer worldly settings or very familiar ones, the artists not only exaggerate the objectification that often defines the female body in mainstream art but also satirise the pervasive gaze that constantly scrutinises and commodifies women. Through humour, satire and hyperbole, they question the societal obsession with the idealised body type and the idea of the role of the woman, exposing the absurdity of such narrow standards and offering a bold, refreshing critique of the pressure placed on women to conform.
Simultaneously, these exaggerated forms serve as a compelling commentary on both the male and female gaze. The artists engage with a playful subversion of the way women are frequently objectified through the lens of male desire, while also inverting this dynamic to prompt the viewer to reflect on how women are reclaiming the authority to gaze, to desire, and to control the narrative of their own bodies. This theme is further underscored by the choice of titles for some works, which critique the problematic and often patronising and derogatory language that can be employed in certain contexts. By adopting such terminology, the artist reclaims and transform its power.
The works challenge viewers to reflect on the ways in which gendered perceptions of beauty are shaped and perpetuated, using sarcasm and distortion to disrupt these ingrained cultural codes. In doing so, the artists open a dialogue about empowerment, self-determination, and the complexities of identity in a world defined by visual consumption.
Big Girl Pants opens on the 13th of March, 6.30-8.30pm at The Art Office, 48 Chalcot Road, London, NW1 8LS, and is curated by Vittoria Beltrame. The exhibition will continue till the 27th of March, open Thursday to Sunday 10am-4pm, or by appointment.
For further information or enquiries about the artwork and artists please contact info@theartoffice.co.