Sophia Zarders
Identisploitation
Mixed media installation. Dimensions variable, 2023.
Top: full view of installation, Left: closeup, Right: closeup.
Identisploitation was my graduate thesis project at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. The thesis explores charged representations of identity in pop culture through painted paper figures, video art, and garments. This installation was exhibited in the MFA exhibition, biometaphysicalmateria, and included elements from my works Josephine, Mary, Anita, Skipper, and Garments.
Josephine
Acrylic paint on paper. Dimensions variable, paper figure is approx 5 ft tall. 2022.
Above: full view of paper doll installation, Left: central Josephine Baker figure
Josephine imagines the iconic Josephine Baker as a lifesize paper doll.
Untitled (Garment)
Polyester silk blend fabric, rhinestones, lace, faux fur, wire, velvet trim.
Approx 8 ft long, 2022.
Anita and Mary
Acrylic paint on paper. Dimensions variable, paper figure is approx 5 ft tall. 2021.
Top Left: full view of paper doll installations
Top Right: central Mary Pickford figure
Left: detail of Anita, Middle: detail of Mary
Anita and Mary imagine Anita Bryant and Mary Pickford as a lifesize paper dolls.
Garment Series
Mixed media, dimensions variable. 2023.
Left: banana skirt detail, Top Right: perfume bottle detail, Right: heels detail
Garments explores the intersections of costume, humor, camp, beauty ideals and the grotesque through soft sculptures.
Saints
Self-portrait triptych. Acrylic paint on paper, 6x2 ft each. 2020.
Left: Rabbit Season, Middle: Valley of the Saints, Right: Born Again
Tinsel Angels
Self-portrait series. Watercolor and colored pencils on butcher paper, 7x2 ft each. 2018.
Top Row: The Punk, The Actress, The Trio, The Lover
Left: Tinsel Angels installation
This series of lifesize self-portraits were created during a residency with Somos Arts and exhibited in my 2018 solo show Tinsel Angels at SomoS Gallery in Berlin, Germany.
Judgement Day: Charlottesville
Political self-portrait. Watercolor and colored pencils on paper, 20x20 in. 2017.
Moshpit
Watercolor and colored pencils on paper, 20x20 in. 2016.