ARTIST STATEMENT
Caged Bird explores the concept of feminine rage through feminist surrealism. We exist within a tumultuous political climate in which the rights of women, LGBT+, and BIPOC are actively being rolled back into history. This work is my way of expressing frustration towards a system built by men for men. Laws that men place on women’s bodies are gender discrimination by definition. I used symbolic objects and styling to express the complex feelings and worries many women are experiencing now. The formal Renaissance-style dress highlights how women still fight for the same rights we fought for centuries ago. Next, the pomegranates represent fertility, which is weaponized against women through physical violence and oppressive laws. The birdcage highlights the confining nature of patriarchy.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
A professionally trained digital artist and printmaker with over 8 years of portrait photography experience, Madelaina Weinhardt blends candid moments, interaction-based posing, and classic portraiture for a poignant and timeless effect. Deeply dedicated to her craft, Madelaina sets her sights on provoking real emotion in every image. Madelaina is a creative professional photographer with an education from UWM Peck School of the Arts and extensive experience in portrait, product, food, event, and fashion photography. Editorial publications of her work are available for purchase in Praze and Lybell Magazines. Madelaina is the photographer for La Lune Collection and Runway 7 Fashion.
© Madelaina Weinhardt