warrior /ˈwɒrɪə/ noun
(especially in former times) a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.
NINJA:
I've always had a fondness for spy movies, and the nickname "Charlie" my friends gave me adds a humorous touch. It's interesting how our childhood interests can shape us creatively. From Charlie's Angels to Totally Spies, and even Kill Bill, these references have influenced my perception of powerful female characters.
I see femininity as a force to be reckoned with, something to be embraced and utilised for personal empowerment, which is entirely valid in our society.
Although the traditional format may have waned over time, I decided to capture the essence of the female warrior in a series of three posters. The first, "NINJA," blends my childhood fascination with my current vibrant and assertive style. This connection to ninja culture resonates with me, especially since moving to Melbourne, where Asian influences are prevalent. It's a nod to the martial arts-infused world of my childhood imagination, all coming together in a visually striking poster series.
WITCH:
As I've grown older, my fascination with medieval fantasy and the Wiccan universe has deepened. Even as a child, shows like the 1998 series "Charmed" captured my imagination, but it wasn't until I turned 17 that I truly delved into the culture of witches, gypsies, and magic. Stories of druids and wizards, such as Morgana and Merlin, also held my interest. In games like World of Warcraft, I often chose characters like warlocks, wizards, or shamans, often depicted as elven figures.
This illustration reflects all of these influences, always presenting them from a perspective that celebrates femininity. The historical persecution of witches continues to astonish me. It's widely known that many of the forbidden writings attributed to witch orders contain advanced knowledge in fields like science and medicine. This raises thought-provoking questions about the power of knowledge and how it was often monopolised by men. Women with knowledge were often condemned to the flames—a tragic reality that still resonates today. This time, she is the flame that burns everything within her path.
NACOMA:
This triptych of illustrations captures the theme of female influence and empowerment across three distinct periods: childhood with NINJA, adolescence with WITCH, and my adulthood steeped in Native American references.
Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of connecting with many individuals from Latin America, each offering valuable insights into various aspects of life. What stands out to me within this diverse community is their resilient and inclusive nature, qualities I've come to cherish greatly during my time in Australia.
The term "Nacom," meaning warrior in the Mayan language, serves as the foundation for the illustration NACOMA, representing a female warrior. Drawing inspiration from the warmth and empowerment found in reggaeton, a burgeoning Latin musical movement, particularly in its feminine expression, adds depth and significance to this trio of posters.
