In the 19th century Pictorialism was developed as a movement to explore how photography could be used as a means of artistic expression, much in the same way that paintings can portray subject matter in a conceptional manner. This movement has evolved over the decades and photography can be used to convey both scientific findings and imaginative content. Maisie Cousins is a contemporary photography that combines traditional still life techniques with experimental compositions.
By using the language of modern advertising, she pairs sensual and grotesque content to expose the nature of consumption and feminine sexuality. As a result, her work invites viewers to look closely at the items within the frame in a manner that is both appealing and repulsive. Her work invites interrogation and breaks away from traditional conventions. This is a technique that has been used and commented on since the boom of advertising in the 1950’s. As Henri Lefebre notes in his own essay Clearing the Ground, written in 1961:
“The artistic image puts everything into doubt’.
Consequently, the styling of content, use of colour, and textures, all aid a visual dialogue that is bold and relevant, unique and on trend, and both beautiful and gross.
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