Eri Maeda
DIVERSITILE
2023 A Real Woman
Eri Maeda
Medium:
Digital and printed billboards
Displayed:
UK-wide, July - August 2024
Artwork Description:
With Diversitile, Eri Maeda elegantly showcases varied female forms to create a poignant critique of societal beauty ideals, encouraging women to look at themselves in a new light, and inviting the viewer to think about how women perceive themselves, and are perceived.
With each tile representing the bust of a differently shaped woman, Maeda cleverly plays with the idea of the perfect body, whilst also exploring the breast’s position as a fundamental symbol of womanhood – whether for trans women who may desire them, trans men for whom they may feel foreign, for those who wish theirs were larger or smaller, for those who may have undergone mastectomies.
As well as highlighting the complexities of identity, and celebrating differences, the artist reminds us that we are all part of a community – unique individuals who are stronger when connected and supporting each other, just like the tiles in her work.
Artist's Comment:
I'm used to following rules and lacked my own opinion, but working with clay changed that. Now, I challenge society's norms through my art and I'm asking tough questions.
Bio:
Eri Maeda (1989, Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese artist based in Paris. She uses ceramic art to challenge societal norms and promote acceptance. Her work fearlessly explores taboo subjects like mental health, sexual health and toxic standards, sparking crucial conversations. Through hand-built techniques, each piece conveys depth and meaning, inviting viewers to discuss silenced issues.
Exhibited in Paris, Milan, and Stockholm, Maeda’s art serves as a bold call for societal change and embraces the true essence of self-expression.