The Trials And Tribulations Of Developing An Aesthetic (Artist Statement)

I am a young, Canadian, contemporary artist focusing on portrait photography. I work with the people around me to create images that explore femininity and womanhood. This piece in particular focuses on the shocking influence online culture has on my self-image. Depicted in The Trials And Tribulations Of Developing An Aesthetic a woman sits in a religious-inspired pose surrounded by devices. She is fixated on the blue light around her, falling down the rabbit hole of cult followings. The woman may not identify with any higher power though she vows to spread the words of her feed. She’s obsessed, possibly addicted to her online presence unable to stray far from her phone. This piece reflects my addiction to online culture and the precise measures I will go to develop an aesthetic. At this moment I am drawn to soft textures, prolonged stares, and lazy women all shown in this piece. Occasionally I pick something new to fixate on with a religious passion. These attractions derive from my chronically online habits and ever-changing view of myself or others. I find my lack of concern for these habits shocking but I also sit in peace knowing I am evolving. 

-Emmily Madeline, 2022

@emmilymadeline

Model Credit: Abigail Claire 

@silverstuddedsabretoothdream

https://emilyxabigail.wixsite.com/portfolio