My practice reflects on the tension between capitalism and misogyny within Western societies, and the resulting pressure to conform to gender norms. Mass-media’s objectification of women and their portrayal through the male gaze exacerbate gender tropes, leading individuals—including myself—to internalize them as objective truths. Drawing on feminist standpoint theory, I challenge the notion of objectivity: as Sandra Harding argues, it serves patriarchal structures while marginalizing non-dominant groups. To address this violent othering, I developed the concept of the Mold as practice and methodology. The repetitive process of molding and casting echoes the cycle of conforming to gendered expectations. I’m drawn to the dichotomy of the Mold as a site of pain and pleasure.

In You Better Work the Western archetype of feminine success is cast as “boss bitch”, or in academic terms, “neoliberal feminist”. Figures like Beyoncé, the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwyneth Paltrow embody this trope. Through their shared capital, power, influence, agency, they set impossible standards for women. Neoliberal feminism promotes work as elevating women on the social ladder regardless of social positioning, through which one could “have it all”. While expressions of empowerment are persuasive, they add to the expectations projected onto women. As Beyoncé phrased it—“How we smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bear the children/Then get back to business”.