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Feminist Icons

Handmade unique tilles, enameled glass, handpainted

Hilde Paalvast

Contemporary glass art

Numerous hand-painted portraits grace the glass, A representation of courageous individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing equal rights for men and women across the globe. Among them are feminist warriors, as well as icons who may have unknowingly set powerful examples. This artwork stands as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, a sincere ode to feminism and its champions. Glass artist Hilde Paalvast uses transparent shards of glass to craft square tableaux. By sprinkling colored powder among the glass grains before they are introduced to the glass kiln, the glass shards remain visible in each tableau. These glass fragments symbolize damage, while the colored fault lines represent the power of healing. The artwork aims to depict the harm inflicted upon girls and women due to their subordination to men, a prevalent global issue. However, it also celebrates the stories of brave warriors who have fought for equal rights worldwide. The portraits featured in this artwork display people from diverse continents, spanning both historical and contemporary times. Each of them has a compelling story worth sharing. These portraits conceal numerous remarkable narratives, the courageous lives of individuals who ardently pursued justice and defied societal constraints.

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Technique: Enameled portrait on handmade glass

Size: 250 x 100 cm.

Edition: Unique piece

Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be, embrace who you are.        

– Brené Brown

 

© by Hilde Paalvast

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