Wash Away the Beauty Standard - print of oil painting by Ellen Relph

ARTIST STATEMENT: Growing up in a generation exposed to the pressures of social media 24/7, I became aware of the toxic unforgiving traits it presents us with. After researching into the different ideas of “female perfection”; endorsed throughout history, I noticed that there was a huge increase in the rate of change of what is perceived as “perfect”; in recent years. I believe social media and the constant pressures that it demands of individuals is the biggest threat to human's mental health. These unrealistic standards lead to life threatening habits and surgeries and encourage females especially to hide their true identity. My piece features a girl standing under the shower allowing her own tears of self-hatred and falling water to pull away her mask of unnecessary make-up revealing the natural, hidden truth behind. ABOUT THE ARTIST: This piece is Shortlisted in the Sovereign Art Foudation Students Prize, Guernsey 2022. Ellen created this aged 16 while a student at Ladies' College