Leesa Gray-Pitt

Master of Fine Art

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My current body of work employs layering and collage to create portraits that explore the complexity of feminine identity. By painting portraits of women who represent contemporary feminist discourse (through their words and actions), I hope to celebrate their contribution to our ongoing fight for equality. In particularly focusing on intersectionality, I stress the need to consider both the individual and shared experiences of women in contemporary society. Although these works represent a diversity of women, they are essentially a cathartic expression of my own psychological and physical journey through time. By including an assortment of different materials and emblems in my work – such as textiles, media photographs, gems, flowers and butterflies – I explore how society measures gender, power and notions of beauty.  Although my intention has always been to capture the likeness of my subjects, I also incorporate text into my compositions as a reminder of how the spoken word can propel change for future generations. These words are not my own but stand as placeholders in recognition of my psyche on the subject.

The Rebirth of Venus, 2021  
mixed media on canvas  
1100 x 1100 x 3.5 mm

Fecundity, 2021  
mixed media on canvas  
1520 x 760 x 3.5 mm

Billie, 2021  
oil on canvas  
900 x 900 x 3.5 mm

Darkness and Stars, 2021  
oil and textile on canvas  
1400 x 940 x 3.5 mm

Laverne, 2021  
oil and gold leaf on canvas  
900 x 900 x 3.5 mm