ANGELA PISTILLI
@artbyangpIn my portrayal of the female figure, I take an approach to the body that deviates from gender norms. I strategically craft my compositions, mirroring the careful consideration of the figures’ bodies. It is important that the lineage of the female nude be challenged through deliberate posing, expression, and distorted proportions. Whether chopping wood, hunting, or lounging, the women in my work possess unwavering confidence.
The forest is a space that feels infinite to me. Here, my figures are no longer restricted and the suggestion of a ceiling disappears. For me, the outdoors are a way to contrast real life elements with bodies that could otherwise not exist in space. In the forest, these women exist freely—foraging, working out, and having fun.
Within the long history of the idealized female form, my figures represent a new standard of beauty. This perspective is shaped by my experiences as a female powerlifter and the so-called “unfeminine” characteristics that come with weightlifting. However, large traps or biceps can only be obtained with hard work, discipline, and dedication. My work celebrates this truth and serves as an appreciation for the beauty in their strength. These works skim the surface of what’s possible in a world where women always win.
Forest Forager 2, 2024. Soft pastel, oil pastel, and oil on canvas. 28x22in
Forest Forager 1, 2024. Soft pastel, oil pastel, and oil on canvas. 28x22in
Forest Forager 2, 2024. Soft pastel, oil pastel, and oil on canvas. 28x22in