Nymphology. My work is rooted in narrative and fantasy, using imagined and improbable elements to explore femininity and surrealist environments.Drawing inspiration from music, literature, and lived experience, I combine storytelling with expressive, illustrative linework. This piece is influenced by Melanie Martinez and her song Nymphology, which uses fantasy imagery to address female rage and the restrictive roles imposed on women.
Through this work, I reinterpret these themes by using a semi-divine figure to challenge notions of femininity. My visual language is defined by a controlled yet experimental approach to colour and mark-making. Working primarily with magenta and Payne’s grey, I build layered tones through smooth, flat applications, stippling, and fine linework, while incorporating additional colours to create contrast and depth. The inclusion of textiles introduces an interactive, dimensional element that extends beyond the canvas, enhancing the sense of immersion and reinforcing the improbability of the depicted environment. The impossibility of the landscape serves as a metaphor for the continued inaccessibility of feminist progress.
The composition follows a spiral structure within a landscape, guiding the viewer’s eye while maintaining a strong focal point. By combining fluid linework, layered colour, and symbolic imagery, I aim to create a cohesive yet dynamic visual narrative that balances fantasy with deeper social commentary.