Candace Mothersbaugh

BA Studio Art

I consider my practice to be largely psychosocial in its aims. My work is about the interplay between identity and interaction, particularly within the context of transfeminine identities. At its core, it is an exploration of how people attempt to understand each other, as well as the thoughts or actions that follow this understanding. As a result, I rely upon people as my subjects, utilizing any number of media for portraiture and figurative work. In depicting the transfeminine form, I invite viewers to project onto the work any thoughts or feelings they have about the aspect of transfemininity I investigate. 

Creating an opportunity for viewers to consider their relation to the work is essential to me, for it is done in an effort to gage how trans women and transfems exist within the world at large. Much of my current work is informed by how transness is approached with hostility and the fear or paranoia that arises from this knowledge. My goal is not to offer concrete solutions to this fear, but to simply acknowledge that it exists. In doing this, I hope to initiate further dialogue regarding trans liberation and how trans people can feel secure in engaging with the world around them. 

Instagram: @candace.e.m