Works aim to free women from social expectations
CAPE Town-born artist and interior designer Marie-Louise Koen, in association with international Women's Month, launches a solo exhibition, Unbecoming, on behalf of her brand llounique by MLK.
As an activist for feminism and gender equality, Koen uses her work as a platform to evoke thought, emotion and connection to this theme in a response to the ongoing gender inequality issues which are so often societal norms.
Inspired by the words of Paul Coelho, “Maybe this journey isn't so much about becoming anything, maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't really you so that you can be who you were meant to be in the first place”, Koen aims to change the conventions around the need to become what society wants and expects women to be, and adds to the discourse that encourages women to find who they really are and what they truly want.
This collection tells a powerful story through the subject matter of female form in this unconventional approach, to make a positive movement towards feminism and gender equality in our society.
Koen encourages viewers to seek their independence by stripping away the perceptions and expectations placed on them by society, therefore allowing them to return to their true purpose as this is where true individuality, strength and equality lies.
'Unbecoming’ is on show at Youngblood Gallery 70-72 Bree street, Cape Town until March 31.