The Beauties Behaving Badly series is a parody and commentary of classic fairytale and literature characters created in a graphic lowbrow style. These paintings challenge the typical role the female character played in their historical protagonist position by challenging society’s expectations. They are assertive and edgy with a veneer of “cute.” With dark hollow eyes and a cartoon-like color palette, the subjects in these works unapologetically misbehave with their vices. This series uses visual media to speak about social issues including those found in children’s entertainment, public media, and the portrayal of traditional and nontraditional women’s roles. These badly behaving beauties have taken their lives into their own hands; they are anything but your typical princess.
Alice In Wonderland: I’m Late Too, White Rabbit!
Just like the white rabbit, Alice is “late.” Traveling and exploring new worlds like Wonderland got Alice into trouble; teen pregnancy is also a consequence of “unprotected exploration.”
Little Bo Peep: I Thought I Lost My Sheep (I Lost My Virginity Instead)
Little Bo Peep found herself “getting lucky” in a clover field and while she thought she lost her sheep, she quickly realizes that she had lost her virginity instead.
Little Miss Muppet: Along Came A Spider
Little Miss Muppet has faced and conquered her fears. Not only is she poised on her tuffet with her spider friend, like a spider herself, she is comfortable and confident amidst the dark webs. (This piece should also be viewed in the dark.)
Rapunzel: The Fruit Of The Vine
Rapunzel is tangled and trapped in her snake-like hair which wraps around her exposed body. Revealed behind her is the tree with a tempting apple. As Rapunzel removes tufts of her long hair, she is removing the concept of original sin and breaking free from its hold.
Princess And The Frog: Princess And The Frogg
The Princess is perched upon a log near a pond toxic with fertilizers and chemicals. While she cups her deformed prince, this piece questions whether we fall in love or if destiny chooses our mates. Is there a relationship between “choice” and our toxic “environments?” (This piece should also be viewed in the dark.)
The Little Mermaid: The Naked Truth
The Little Mermaid demonstrates the harsh reality that oil spills create. The detrimental effects to the ocean and marine life are the consequences of the human consumer relying on oil for our necessities and luxuries.
Princess And The Pea: Princess And The Pea(ness)
Princess And the Pea shows a young child struggling with budding adolescence. While this curvy young lady is clearly growing up and exploring her sexuality, she continues to hold on to the childlike comforts of her teddy bear and bunny slippers.
Little Red Riding Hood: Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf
Little Red Riding Hood portrays the young girl as the wolf with her fur-like dress and canine ears. She is holding the skull of Grandma, who has already been consumed.
Belle: Beating Love
Belle displays the cycle and tangle of an abusive relationship. While currently trapped, the white blossom blooming at the end of the vine shows life, growth and hope for her.
Mary Poppins: A Spoonful Of Sugar
“Mary Poppins” comments on the problems our country faces with the war on drugs – in which imprisonment is unfortunately utilized as a solution to addiction. The icon of Mary Poppins is used to depict that drugs and addiction can trap anyone. The United States’ solution to this problem exacerbates this endless cycle.
Tinkerbell: Supersized Thighs
Tinkerbell’s magic wand is replaced with a hamburger in hand. She is large; obese. Her skimpy leotard and skirt barely cover her voluptuous body, which is thick from the unhealthy and calorie-packed fast food she has been consuming.
Snow White: Forever The Fairest
Snow White was the fairest of them all, but has fallen prey to the plastic, powdered and Botox-pumped perceptions of society’s idea of beauty. Recreating herself as the infamous Marilyn Monroe, Snow White is exposing skin and shattering what it means to be naturally beautiful.