Before Her Time

McNealy, Christina

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/89919 Copy

Description

Title

Before Her Time

Author(s)

McNealy, Christina

Issue Date

2016-04

Keyword(s)

Art & Design - Metals

Abstract

Marketing of children's toys meant to appeal to girls has reached an extreme level. Mature items such as makeup and risque clothing are forerunners in marketing to adolescent audiences and are enforcing expectations for the eventual female adulthood of little girls. The research I conduct is based upon these notions and is demonstrated in my artwork. The image presented conveys a young girl feeling the pressures to always look her best. This pressure is first instilled while young girls play with makeup and dress-up clothes at early ages. This play quickly becomes reality without society even noticing. Advertisements play a huge role in children's perception of what is societally acceptable. At first glace I have shown a seemingly innocent image of the little girl looking at herself. However, a deeper look reveals the haunting realization that she is critiquing her appearance, as has every adult woman. Through my research I have found that though this may look like something that only happens on occasion, it is far more frequent than one would think. There is a continuous pressure to mature girls before their time and take away the most important aspect of childhood innocence.

Type of Resource

• text
• image

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/89919

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Christina McNealy

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