The artist - My painting, ‘Designer Handbag Junkie’, shows a woman who has become obsessed with labels and what the top end designer handbags might say about her. I used my portrait as a reference.
Designer handbags are now not just simply a fashion item but considered to be a status symbol and projection of affluence and success. Vulnerable women believe that by purchasing a designer handbag that somehow, they become part of that brand which gives them perceived status.
Through advertising and articles, women are made to feel that they need to own a designer handbag and are bombarded by images of excessively expensive bags with the all-important must-have labels.
I see designer handbags symbolically as a carapace which I believe obscures a vulnerable identity and the pressure to have the right bag, rather than bring status and confidence, can actually add to identity issues and feelings of inferiority. I also believe that this has brought about a social shift resulting in the creation and masking of identities.
Although the stylised features and solid bright colours make the subject seem initially comical, this painting also serves to reflect on the serious issue of the lack of self-worth that can stem from social media trends and advertising.
The solid bold colour in the background reflects the appearance of advertising and fashion shoots. I have used this as a device to make the figure stand out while also influencing the emotional mood. I have added a contrasting narrow painted strip across the top as a device to both break up and unite the image.
My painting highlights the negative aspects of the heavily marketed designer handbags as “must have items” so that women who are vulnerable are not enticed to purchase such a luxury item to portray a different identity to the outside world.