My name is Ariana and I am a visual artist that predominantly works with photography and other print-informed techniques. My practice is an exploration of gender and sexuality as dynamic concepts that help inform identity and create a sense of belonging. Many of my works draw inspiration from media and pop culture that hold personal significance to me, whilst also being relevant to shaping gender roles and stereotypes throughout history. I am fascinated by the curation of an image within a frame, taking inspiration from renowned artists such as Cindy Sherman and James Bidgood, as I similarly enforce elements of set design and costuming to create narrative.

My practice has evolved over the past three years, reflecting the personal growth that has occurred in alignment with moving to Melbourne at the beginning of my studies at RMIT. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, I began positioning myself in front of the lens as an introspective way to connect to my own femininity, queerness and identity.

My final artworks reflect on the ubiquitous nature of the gender binary in society and the media as a patriarchal tool for upholding standards and ideals. Through combining aspects of photography and etching, I invoke how artistic representation is vital towards breaking the binary. My work operates as a documentation of truth from a feminist perspective, working outside of the male-gaze.

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Damned if I do, Damned if I don't, 2021  

photographic intaglio etching on Stonehenge 250gsm paper in acrylic painted frames with acrylic screen-printed border  

59.4 x 42 mm

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Who Wears the Pants?, 2021  

photographic intaglio etching on Stonehenge 250gsm paper in acrylic painted frames with acrylic screen-printed border  

59.4 x 42 mm

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Under the Influence, 2021  

photographic intaglio etching on Stonehenge 250gsm paper in acrylic painted frames with acrylic screen-printed border  

59.4 x 42 mm

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Untitled, 2021  

photographic intaglio etchings with screen-printed border in acrylic painted frames  

59.4 x 42 mm

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