ARTIST STATEMENT
Tanya Kaiser is a visual artist specializing in sculpture. Her works examine decidedly female themes while exploring and at times challenging preconceived notions of beauty. She is especially interested in the cultural silencing of women’s suffering, due to the societal stigma associated with the female form. By directly confronting these issues through her artwork, she hopes that her pieces may serve as a vehicle for further discussion on women’s roles, health, and bodily autonomy. Tanya received her MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University. In 2016 she was named the Goldberger Fellow for excellence in art. Her artwork in both 2D and 3D forms has been exhibited internationally.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As a visual artist, mother, and woman, I explore the theme of womanhood through my artwork, specifically focusing on topics that are often associated with femininity. My work has been recognized for its boldly feminist perspective and open inquiry into female identity while also commenting critically upon current events in society such as religion or politics by employing personal experiences from my childhood, having been raised in the Catholic church with a Latina mother. The reoccurring theme of the vessel is predominant in my work. Especially, the image of the Virgin Mary, the ultimate vessel. Her religious upbringing made her very familiar with the Virgin Mary imagery. Worship in her home, centralized on the Holy Mother. Her images were exhibited in small laminated cards, placed around our home, and on tall glass prayer candles. She was the Mother and we prayed to her. We asked for her guidance and forgiveness. My artwork allows me to explore her humanity, her pain, and her role as a mother.
© Tanya Kaiser