Alicia Flynn

THE UNPOLISHED SELF

This project explores the unpolished self, and the pressures women face to always appear perfect.

Using photography combined with embroidery and beading, the work contrasts society’s ideal image of women with a more authentic and imperfect reality and challenges traditional expectations of femininity. A survey carried out as part of the Dove self-esteem project shows a strong correlation between concepts of beauty and confidence, with 70% of young females believing that beauty is important to feeling happy.

The work explores identity, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to embrace imperfections, encouraging viewers to see value in who they are.

www.aliciaflynn.net