Maria Sanfilippo

Artist Statement

My work explores the relationship of societal norms and the safety of women in different countries. I create digital illustrations that portray disturbing scenes. In my work I use textures and contrast to create an ominous tone. I believe that the violence and abuse that women face originate from the social systems that are led by men. Each piece portrays the horrific scenes that women encounter around the world. As an artist, I want to communicate the struggles that women face in a way that provokes and ignites a change in the way men perceive women.   My inspiration stems from personal experience with sexual assault, alongside artists such as Yoko Ono and Luzene Hill who have created pieces surrounding this topic. My pieces are a step in my journey to fight back against abuse towards women. I seek to push the boundaries confronting my viewers with graphic content. The real monsters aren’t under the bed but lying next to you.