Description
ARTIST STATEMENT
This series of watercolor paintings is inspired by the history of women’s health, medicine, and medical mythology. Drawing from historical texts, medical illustrations, folklore, and archival research, the work explores how women’s bodies have been interpreted, misunderstood, and controlled throughout history. Through symbolic imagery and visual storytelling, I combine elements of illustration, mythology, and surrealism to examine themes of bodily autonomy, gender bias in medicine, fertility, mental health, and the cultural narratives that have shaped women’s experiences. Balancing beauty with discomfort, the paintings invite viewers to reflect on the intersection of history, science, and the lived realities of women across generations.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Cheri Lee Charlton is a Chicago based artist, illustrator, muralist, and Assistant Professor of Illustration at Columbia College Chicago. She received her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Bowling Green State University and her MFA in Painting from Ohio University. Working primarily in watercolor, gouache, ink, and acrylic, her artwork explores themes of mythology, nature, women’s experiences, and the intersection of history and storytelling. Through richly detailed and symbolic imagery, she creates narrative driven works that blend elements of fantasy, illustration, and fine art.
© Cheri Charlton