Oil pastel on paper.

Inspired by Artemisia Gentileschi’s Susanna and the Elders painting, my reinterpretation includes three of my friends recreating the scene in a tavern in my hometown. The original painting depicts the story of Susanna, who is spied upon by two elderly men while she’s taking a bath. They demand that she sleeps with them, and when she refuses, they accuse her of adultery and demand that she be executed.

I feel that stories like this still happen today. Women are harassed on the streets, on the subway, and in almost every public space imaginable. Not only are they harassed and assaulted, but men’s actions are often justified because of the woman’s clothing, or whether she had consumed alcohol. 1610 may be hundreds of years ago, but we are still struggling with these issues today.

22 x 30 inches.