I appreciated the time Jane Fortna took in blending the multitude of colors in her art piece “Extra Weight.” Though the message of this piece emphasizes the issue of patriarchal pressures on women through image, the methodical use of color cannot be ignored. Overall, the dreary cloud hovering above the woman is blue-grey. However, I can’t help but wonder if the hints of green, pink, and blue were intentionally showing the audience another aspect of slenderness tyranny. Colors can represent different moods, and I myself can struggle between feeling upset or pleased with body image all in a day. The artist has truly challenged me to identify the fluctuation of emotions the tyranny causes me to feel.
top of page
bottom of page
I thought the parallel to Atlas holding up the world was especially fascinating in "Extra Weight." By following going along with the majority, following the accepted social norms that come along with weight, individuals fall into a vicious, never ending cycle. Do you let go of the patriarchal weight to finally accept yourself as who you truly are, or do you conform to the slenderness tyranny, feeling worse about yourself as society accepts you?