Untitled #3 from Sequester, 2019

Giclée print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm

60 x 85 cm, Edition of 10 + 2 AP

110 x 149.5 cm, Edition of 5 + 2 AP

Both sizes include a 2cm white margin for framing

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About this Work

This limited edition series of performance works, entitled ‘Sequester’, aims to create genderless images which remove the ‘filter’ of the male and female gaze. However, to detach the subject’s gender from their identity, it was crucial that their identity was hidden. Jewell hand stitches her garments made of make up pads, a social commentary on societal expectations of how women must look, groom themselves and perform. These constructions become almost an alter-ego, allowing different personalities to come and go. It is as if each fold of the paper represented a different personality, or, rather, its veil. “By masquerading your real self, time and time again, your performative-self becomes all you know, causing a loss of identity,” the artist declared.

The series is inspired by the artist’s personal struggle with her health and her self-worth throughout her childhood and adolescence. The internal battle caused by this experience, which led to insecurities and difficulties accepting herself, caused Jewell to reflect on, and subsequently challenge the meaning of identity. Back then, concealing her body made her feel free, something she considers both ironic and disappointing. In her current works, she recreates this hide-and-seek, disguising her body beneath layers of crepe paper.

Please note, photographs in this edition are tiered and the price increases as the edition sells.

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