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This is a black and white image with four major parts. First, centered on the top 1/3 of the piece, there is a huge hand with a stippled effect that gives it a realistic look. However, by looking so real in comparison to other parts of the piece, it appears ominous in that way. The hand is facing down with strings attached, and attached to the strings are very stark white scissors. These scissors are open as if they’re about to cut. Between the open blades is a woman, who has long hair that stretches to the outer bottom corners of paper. This woman is in the middle, sandwiched between the hand and scissors. The woman’s face is made of lines, and her expression is emotionless as she gazes at the viewer. From the bottom of the paper up, behind the woman, there is a gradient that can be described as falling apart. This surrounds the woman and the gradient acts as legs to very box-like torsos with no design besides a tie. Attached to the torsos are scribbled lines that act as faces to these people. They are small in comparison to the lady, and 8 main figures fill up the background, while there are more figures that are smaller and fainter, to show depth and resemble a crowd. The woman almost appears to be trapped, she can’t go up, back or even forward, all she can do is stare as if to see if you will do something.

Y

Abby Mason

Relief print on Masa Paper

Undergraduate
Inspired by Japanese Feminism, “Y” is based on a fluxus performance by Yoko Ono titled, “Cut Piece 1964.” Specifically the roles of being a bystander, victim and abuser. As an artist who identifies as being a woman of color, it seems like society has been watching our every move. Quick to point out any flaws, and cut our successes short. I wanted to convey these feelings within my piece, as it appears the woman is trapped, and all she can do is gaze at the viewer to wait and see if anything will change.