Plastic Flesh is an exploration of the male gaze and the connection between mannequins and my human skin. Within my paintings, I show the differences and similarities between humans and these fake objects, discussing why there is such a glorification of these plastic bodies and how they relate to the commodification of the female figure. Not only are mannequins a physical representation of beauty standards and the idealized woman, but also a representation of how women should act. She cannot move and has no voice; she is an object but looks human. Is there a soul behind her eyes? Or is she a hollow, empty form only meant to be gazed upon? Is ultimate perfection her only purpose? The mannequin is a metaphor for how the world views my female body.

Through this work, I explore the feeling of being trapped within a world where my existence is dehumanized. In comparing myself to this artificial human form, I become imprisoned by a plastic veil and my body becomes objectified. I am packaged just like an object, and this plastic body of mine is solidified. I am the mannequin.