The female body is judged biologically, evolutionarily and culturally for its fertility, sexuality, and aesthetics. As a young Western woman, I am shaped by this judgement, battling to find acceptance within my skin. My practice-led research project utilises crocheted soft-sculptural reproductions of the female form to interrogate societal perceptions of the contemporary woman. In particular, she questions the ‘beauty’ and ‘function’ of the female body through the method of humour, which is created through hybridised reconfigurations of female genitalia, exaggerated scale, absurdity and the abject use of her own body.
Alex employs fibrous materials such as tights, yarn and her own hair. By employing materials and techniques passed down by her Nan such as yarn and crochet hooks, the research explores matrilineal connection, establishing the body as an intergenerational artefact, something that can be passed down the same way as a ball of wool or the skill of crochet. This research is inspired by contemporary textile artists such as Louise Bourgois and Sarah Lucas. However her ultimate motivator is her Nan, who taught her everything she knows, including the internal grit required to love oneself.