Snezhanka Chakarova
common denominator
Prompt: The assignment was to create individual and personal drawings which responded to the prompt “What Does Awareness Look Like?” with respect to the theme of our group - Gender Equality.
I chose to represent gender equality in 4 images which correlate to the different experiences I have had over the years with living in my body and being looked at, perceived and evaluated. I considered the internal and external, observing and being observed. The characters are aware in various ways – of their similarities to others, the boundaries of objectification and non-compliance, bodily autonomy, abuse and political injustice. Blue is synonymous with cold and despair in the face of isolation and judgement, and simultaneously tranquility and confidence in the possibility of true equity. Red, on the other hand, is symbolic of heat, anger towards established systems but also love for who we are and for everybody else. White is the empty space, neutrality, the common link or the flag waved. All of the primaries with one replaced – yellow, in order to bring a sense of imbalance. I was heavily influenced by the protests happening due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the case of the 400 cuts in Bulgaria.