Birdcage

When I read Marylin Frye’s essay “Oppression,” particularly her metaphor of the birdcage, I was struck by the power of her words and how they resonated with my own experiences as a woman living in a patriarchal society.

Frye’s metaphor of the birdcage is particularly poignant, as it highlights the ways in which oppressive structures can seem isolated and easily avoided when viewed up close. However, when we examine these structures from a distance, we see that they are very structural and work together to keep women in the cage. I wanted to create a piece of art that captured this sense of confinement and the way in which oppressive structures are perpetuated by other people rather than an imaginary, intangible system where no one is to blame.

“Birdcage” depicts a woman trapped in a birdcage-like structure made out of human arms. The arms represent the people and the societal structures that perpetuate oppression against women. The bars of the cage are not made of metal or wood, but of the very people who contribute to the systemic oppression of women. This visual representation highlights the idea that oppression is not just some abstract concept, but a very real and tangible force that is perpetuated by individuals and social structures.
The use of Adobe Illustrator allowed me to create a detailed and intricate piece that captures the complexity of the oppression faced by women. The digital medium allowed me to experiment with different color palettes and textures, resulting in a piece that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

Ultimately, my goal with this piece is to spark a conversation about the pervasive and insidious nature of oppression, and to encourage viewers to examine the ways in which they may be contributing to oppressive structures. By creating a piece of art that captures the emotional weight of Frye’s words, I hope to inspire empathy, understanding, and action.