Ladylike is an ongoing series that points to and questions female gender construction.

Pictured above is a selection of altered signs representing the icon for “woman.” The icon for woman is widely recognized as an indicator for the female gender- we read it and recognize it almost as readily as we recognize our own voice. This altered signage depicts women paired with labels that have been assigned to the female gender. By presenting this altered signage, I ask the viewer to consider how we name, classify and stereotype gender. Naming a person who identifies as female “crazy” because they exhibit emotion or passion, or “bossy” because they exhibit authority and knowledge is destructive, controlling and hurtful.

In a few of the images, you see an animation paired with the signs. In the animation, I play with humor and frustration- showing the challenges one faces when trying to shed the rolls and stereotypes "assigned" to female gender. You can watch the animation below.

Ladylike (altered signage), digital animation,  6”x9” (42 sec duration), 2019.