Wangechi Mutu

    Mutu, originally from Kenya, appropriates magazine images of women and turns them into mythical, monsterous creatures. She is working with the idea of creating new myths by creating new types of images. Women's bodies as a site for social debate runs through her work and often stirs up controversy; I'm with her though, why not concsiously use womens bodies, they are used all the time anyway to sell things or pull heartstrings, that way we are at least competing with representation and defining it for ourselves. Personally I am inspired by Mutu's references towards a new myth and I love the grotesque forms. Also, in line with a feminist aesthetic, Mutu incorporates collage, mixing it with watercolors and other mixed media onto a Mylar ground. The sensuous textures she creates through this process are fascinating to look at.

"Tree Spirit" 2004-06, Mixed Media on Mylar

"Untitled" 2002, Mixed Media on Paper