You Must Be by Jen Drociak

You Must Be
Mindy has always been self-conscious of her weight because people have always called her “thick”, “big boned”, and even “fat.” This has led her to depression which has caused her to volley between bouts of anorexia and bulimia, but she hides it well. People call her “skinny” now, and that’s all that matters to her.

Leslie has low self-esteem. As such, she believes she must wear designer clothing, shoes, and jewelry so people think she’s “hip.”

Valerie is on barbiturates for her anxiety. She is seen as “easy-going” even though her outward appearance would have one believe otherwise. Yet while the pharmaceuticals have tempered her anxiety on the outside, on the inside she still struggles.

Lisa is seen as “serious” but really, she’s just shy and reserved. She wishes people would talk to her more because when she makes a connection with someone, she is engaging. But people don’t really pay much attention to her, so she tends to watch life from the sidelines.

From an early age, women are defined by their physical appearance, how they carry themselves, and what they wear. Assumptions are made about women such as “skinny”, “hip”, “easy-going”, “fat”, “serious”, and more. How have others defined you in life in a positive or negative way? How have you defined yourself? How have both affected your self-esteem and self-worth over your lifetime?

Found images on paper

Matted to 11 x 14 inches

2023

Learn more about and view all works by Jen Drociak.

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