To be Flawless

I've recently been thinking about how social media morphs our perception of beauty through make-up trends and influencer culture to digital filters and Al-generated content. I sense that an unachievable goal is continuously being produced and pursued.

In these drawings, I learn, rehearse, and repeat flowing lines and romantic curves to construct detailed formations that strive towards creating something beautiful, otherworldly, or even alien. I layer these digital drawings with cosmetics like lipstick, lipliner, eyeliner and embellish with glass beads, involving materials associated with day-to-day beauty rituals. This hints towards the increasing demand for such products due to digital-first discovery and online influencer marketing. Though I want my work to be soft and appealing to the eye, I cannot ignore that it coexists with the repetition, discipline and labour that went into building them. Here, I reflect on how an understanding of femininity can be shaped through learned routines & beauty can be constructed and maintained.

To be Flawless

Iridescent medium, Digital illustration, Calico, Embellishments, Swarovski glass beads, make-up cosmetics

42 × 59.4cm (4961 x 7016 px)

Belladonna, Somers Gallery

2026