Mammoplasty
Mammoplasty 2021, Oil paint on canvas
In November of 2021, I will be undergoing bilateral breast reduction surgery. For many years, since I was 13, I have wanted a breast reduction for many reasons. This year, after having my back and neck muscles injured, I decided that I wanted the surgery for my health. I never paid attention to how much my back was in pain, and now I can't stop thinking about it. To deal with the anticipation and stress of the upcoming surgery, I decided to process it through the medium of oil painting, a familiar and relaxing pastime.
The painting features two breasts. On the right is a representation of my current breasts, and on the left is the interpretation of my breasts during the surgery. From my consultation with my surgeon, I know that I will have the anchor scar resulting from an incision made around the areola, vertically down from the nipple to the breast fold and horizontally across the breast crease. I wanted to illustrate that hence the sutures.
The breasts are presented as an isolated body part on a flesh-coloured background. This is because currently, they take centre stage in my head. Words cannot describe how much I want them gone. To most people, my breasts are the one thing they notice the most. This unwanted attention is often accompanied by hurtful comments. I feel the need to wear clothes that hide me to avoid this, which has lead to self-hatred of my body.
