Mary Delmage
Through the act of painting I give form to my passion for life and love; exploring ideas of freedom, sexuality and self-expression.
My colourful paintings seek to show the human body in a different context, often larger-than-life. In my use of vibrant colours, I want to challenge the cultural expectation of women to be modest and retiring: I see my women as open, generous and confident. I hope that while revealing their vulnerability I show that they are present in themselves in their personal power.
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The physical act of painting is full of sensual pleasure for me, from the feel of the paint to the luscious intensity of the colours. It delights me to be using oil paint, a traditionally male dominated medium, to create images of bodies and sexuality from the point of view of a woman.
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By portraying the sexuality and sensuality of women, and moments of intimacy between lovers, I acknowledge making self-reflective art. Frequently using myself as a model I explore my life, experiences and feelings through painting, and offer sometimes explicit images of bodies and sexual acts. By depicting older, larger or physically challenged bodies and revealing their innate beauty I want to explore myths of desirability and taboos around sexuality. My personal view is profoundly inspired by my discoveries in the wider world of psychology, sexuality and shared experience.
These paintings were created during a time of change in my life, and represent a corresponding shift of perspective where I explored using the male gaze as a tool of
female empowerment, presenting women joyfully embracing their sexual potential.
BA in Fine
Art
St Martin's School of Art
London, England
Certified
Sexologist
Midwest Institute of Sexology
Michigan, U.S.
Professional
Member
Association of Erotic Artists
Solo and
group
exhibitions
England, Ireland and Canada
Work in collections in U.S., England, Ireland, Canada.
Mary can be contacted via emailing: mdelmage@gmail.com
Copyright Mary Delmage © 2007