Yi Shuen Lim

Canning Vale College

Year 11

cardboard, paper, acrylic paint and found objects

35 × 21 × 4 cm

The Sardines explores the differences between women and sardines through a symbolic sardine can composition.  Inspired by Fiona Hall’s Paradisus Terrestris (1989), I used the sardine tin as a metaphor for how women are often packaged, categorized and consumed by society.  Hall’s use of sardine cans containing human and botanical forms influenced my investigation into objectification, commodification and the reduction of identity.  Through research and experimentation, I refined my concept to focus on specifically the female experience, as this allowed me to communicate a stronger and more personal message.  I was able to highlight how women are treated as items for consumption through placement and selection of detail.