The best type of artists are the ones that make us think. They’re the ones who challenge our thoughts and perceptions. They force us to look at things from a different point of view oftentimes without us even realizing it.
There are no limits to what makes a work of art, well, a work of art.
It can be subtle.
Think, Leonardo Da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa.
Or it can be a bit more extreme.
Think, Helena Hauss.
Hauss is a 29-year-old French artist from Paris. “Bored and raised” in Paris she describes. Ironically, she still lives there.
Hauss has established herself as an artist through her extremely detailed ballpoint-pen drawings.
Known as a talented sketch artist, Hauss decided on branching out into the world of sculpting.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Hauss spoke about the switch from drawing to sculpting.
“There were some things inside me I wanted to express which I felt I couldn’t do with just a drawing, I wanted to go beyond that.”
Hauss might have exceeded her own expectations with the sculptures she’s created. They’re thought-provoking, unapologetic, and a little shocking.
“I needed to create an actual object that would say it all once you saw it.”
For her project, Hauss decided to challenge the idea of what it means to be a woman. Women are often perceived as submissive and weak. Hauss knew that women are neither of those things and wanted to challenge those perceptions.
Hauss took polyurethane (a polymer used for sculpting) and made it look like porcelain (a strong ceramic material though delicate in its appearance). From this, she created weaponry.
“Too often (women are) portrayed as fragile and delicate, this project is an expression of the contrasting subtleties that come with femininity, as well as an attempt at vindication from a feeling of constant vulnerability that’s been forced upon us.”
It’s quite ingenious.
“The ‘ceramic’ weapons are a symbol of ‘inner strength, fury, and empowerment,” she continued.
The title of the project is Hell Hath No Fury.
Porcelain is often used to make fine china. It looks fragile but is very sturdy and strong. Very much like women.
“I wanted something strong that wouldn’t break easily, as a metaphor for its subject. Something that would look like porcelain but actually isn’t.”
While some may find her work to be too political or even controversial, Hauss says that her goal was to simply express her own personal feelings. There is no agenda behind her work.
“I think that’s when art works best, not with an agenda, but when done with sincerity.”
She continued, “It’s the difference between a song written for the masses and one written from the heart, where the lyrics hit you as something you can really relate to. That’s the human experience and in the end, it’s much more powerful than any political agenda.”
Like other great artists, Hauss has put her heart into all she creates. She believes that the best way to be seen for who we truly are as opposed to the ways others see us is to take control of our own narratives.
What’s next for Hauss is a project similar to the idea of Hell Hath No Fury.
“…it’s all about challenging imposed labels and reveling in one’s own identity rather than having to apologize for it.”
Instead of porcelain, however, she is using embroidery.
Until then, let us enjoy the awesome art that she has so graciously bestowed upon us. It is a reminder to all women that you are strong and resilient. There is no need to apologize for who you are or to conform to what it is you think you’re supposed to be.
“We’re too often perceived as something we’re not, and the best way to change that is to actually show ourselves, make ourselves be seen, be heard.”
Check out some videos of Hauss creating the sculptures below!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtYQOPPCG2a/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2m09S3AehQ/
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