My body plays a huge role in my identity. It is what allows me to create physical connections, to express myself, to move, to make art and to play a role in society. It is what holds space for my expression and is an important part of my existence. As a girl, it doesn’t get to be as simple as that. I struggle with the feelings of oppression as society tells me to be smaller, quieter and take up less space. This painting is my full volume response to that feeling. All at once it is shocking, beautiful, organic and honest.