Doll Series: Denise Weston
Noddy Boys
1820mm x 1970mm
unframed
Lambchop
183cm x 153cm
Little Bitch
183cm x 198cm
unframed
While reflecting on the development of my ideas, Denise mentioned her doll works: a series of large-scale paintings that immediately struck me. I really value my conversations with her; I find her feminist narratives compelling, and I’m fascinated by her visual language and how she uses scale as a form of power and communication. There’s a confidence and boldness in her approach that feels deeply intentional.
I was also intrigued by her self-proclaimed nervousness around naming her last painting shown above, Little Bitch. The tension between empowerment and discomfort/ ownership and societal judgment adds another layer to her work. It made me think about how titles themselves can become part of the artwork’s politics; how naming can either soften or sharpen the impact of a work.
She recommended that I look up Kiki Smith and I shall.
