This content does contains discussion of sexual activity and may be uncomfortable for some audiences.
‘Validation’ by Isobel West, 2025. Colour pencil & oil pastel on paper. 70 cm x 50 cm.
This work explores how a woman seeks validation from the male gaze. Using my own experience as a young teen at the time, I had always sought a man’s approval. I dressed in a way I thought was ‘attractive’ and flaunted myself publicly. I wanted someone to notice me, give me attention. I learnt through adolescence that a man’s lustful gaze was nothing but unworthy. As seen in this artwork, the woman spreads her legs, her hands ready for a man’s use. Her identity was never important, only the parts of her female autonomy that could be used to perform acts of pleasure. The open mouth between her legs are another form of “acceptance”, willingly hinting at the use of oral. Any form of pleasure that could be performed, she would do, for him – for the validation. This is how I felt towards a men in my young years, I had to look sexy to feel appreciated, I needed to sexually please a man to earn that love I had craved. No longer do I hold that mindset. I dress for myself, I appreciate my own self-worth and I work hard for my future. I do not need a man to validate my feelings, I have validated myself.
