Emma Ruby Armstrong-Porter
Safety in Numbers, 2017
Mixed media (sequins, poly-cotton thread, felt, imitation pearl earrings, gold coloured fringing, liquid nails, found hat)

$430

armstrongporter@gmail.com

https://emmaarmstrongporter.wordpress.com/

You can touch and
explore this artwork but
please show respect

The following excerpt is from a transcript of a 2005 conversation between TV host Billy Bush and now President Elect of the United States Donald Trump. They speak of “beautiful women”:
Trump: "I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star they let you do it. You can do anything."
Bush: "Whatever you want."
Trump: "Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything."

In response to Trump's comments, this piece explores the idea of “beautiful women” in terms of American beauty pageants and beauty queens. The choice of synthetic fabrics and even the industrial glue used to adhere the spangled parts into a “crown” are a reference to the kinds of artificial beauty in these competitions. Some contestants use spray adhesive to stop their swimsuits riding up during competitions and wd-40 to stop their evening gowns sticking to the skin on their bums.
I believe this kind of over the top beauty obstructs diversity and inhibits positive societal change for women. Its an almost static evergreen tree in a field of deciduous trees continually shedding and changing.
But this piece is a reminder that despite how a woman chooses to look, all deserve respect and mutual consent.