Art has been around forever. Okay, well, maybe not exactly forever, but it can be argued that it's been around longer than recorded history. Throughout that absolutely massive expanse of time, there have been many, many, many people participating in what could be described as visual art. With the recent explosion of social media—particularly visual social media—many contemporary artists have taken the metaphorical plunge into the world of direct, online networking. An artist I'd like to recognize on this small soapbox of mine is Polly Nor. Among the many artist and curation accounts I follow, I can confidently say that Nor is one of the few that are constantly challenging mainstream societal notions while simultaneously highlighting issues faced specifically by the 21st century woman.
With her Instagram bio reading "I draw women and their demons", there is absolutely no mistaking the work of this London-based artist. With dark lines, pastel colors and imagery of demon's shedding what can only be described as skin-suits, Nor's work contains common, interwoven themes of female sexuality, identity, and other such struggles faced by women of the internet age . Her inspiration is taken directly from her own experiences as many of her compositions tell the common stories of angst, relationship woes, and particularly the plight of self acceptance. The narratives associated with her art are oftentimes creatively candid metaphors for the personal, innate emotions that many women experience daily.
Beyond her fantastic visual art (featured both on her website and her Instagram), she has had, to date, two solo exhibitions: "Sorry Grandma" (2016) and "It's Called Art Mum, Look It Up" (2017) (above). Nor has also collaborated with others on the illustrated music video for Chelou's "Halfway to Nowhere". This video seems to follow the same narrative mentioned above and works as a more fluid vessel to envelope the social comments she wants to make. Not only is the direction, done by Andy Baker, fantastic, the story it tells and what Nor is trying to convey through her artistic endeavors is captured flawlessly (plus the song is pretty good too).
When examining the fundamental purpose of art, it seems as though aesthetic beauty and the idea of social commentary are seemingly crowd favorites. Through both her illustrations and installations, Polly Nor executes both of these with the confidence and certainty that seems to be found emanating from our inner demons that she routinely depicts. Perhaps not only do we as an audience and as a viewer have something to learn from Nor's rendering, but greater society as a whole.
I am very fascinated with these arts! Definitely I had no idea what these illustrations are representing in the first sight, but when I look through Polly Nor's and people's comments on Instagram, I can understand the behind story, and also it is very interesting that they agree with the mood of arts. In Japan, we use the word, "gro-kawaii" (grotesque and cute), to describe this style of art. Many young Japanese girls are in love with "gro-kawaii" style of arts into their fashion.
This was intriguing to read about! When I was little, art was a huge aspect of my life but as I grew older I unfortunately grew away from my artistic side. What I love about art is when the artist fully expresses themselves into their artistic creations. Just as Saki said, at first glance I was rather confused what the artist was trying to get across. However, after reading more into your blog post I found a great appreciation for the underlying expressions revolving around women and their demons. We all have our demons but when we try to influence others and be an inspiration for others through any medium that's when we truly make a difference which is why I loved reading about your blog post!
How interesting! What a unique way to reflect on social issues. Polly Nor clear wants people to think about what it means to be a woman and how the relationship with body image fits into their struggles. I've never heard of her before but thank you for showing me something new and different!
Overall, I loved reading this. It is so refreshing to see a man learning about and praising a female artist that portrays real feminine struggles. I have seen some works from Polly Nor before, but it was great to read more about what inspires her. As a society, we need to learn about one another's struggles in an attempt to help others and make this world a better place for EVERYONE that lives in it. Thank you for writing a piece that helps us move towards that.
I am very fascinated with these arts! Definitely I had no idea what these illustrations are representing in the first sight, but when I look through Polly Nor's and people's comments on Instagram, I can understand the behind story, and also it is very interesting that they agree with the mood of arts. In Japan, we use the word, "gro-kawaii" (grotesque and cute), to describe this style of art. Many young Japanese girls are in love with "gro-kawaii" style of arts into their fashion.
ReplyDeleteThis was intriguing to read about! When I was little, art was a huge aspect of my life but as I grew older I unfortunately grew away from my artistic side. What I love about art is when the artist fully expresses themselves into their artistic creations. Just as Saki said, at first glance I was rather confused what the artist was trying to get across. However, after reading more into your blog post I found a great appreciation for the underlying expressions revolving around women and their demons. We all have our demons but when we try to influence others and be an inspiration for others through any medium that's when we truly make a difference which is why I loved reading about your blog post!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! What a unique way to reflect on social issues. Polly Nor clear wants people to think about what it means to be a woman and how the relationship with body image fits into their struggles. I've never heard of her before but thank you for showing me something new and different!
ReplyDeleteOverall, I loved reading this. It is so refreshing to see a man learning about and praising a female artist that portrays real feminine struggles. I have seen some works from Polly Nor before, but it was great to read more about what inspires her. As a society, we need to learn about one another's struggles in an attempt to help others and make this world a better place for EVERYONE that lives in it. Thank you for writing a piece that helps us move towards that.
ReplyDelete