Examining the subtle and ingrained oppression against women in western society, conveying how women are treated like pieces of meat, handled without consideration and customizable to the consumer’s preferences – as something that has been stripped of its identity and dignity with the one and only purpose of making the consumer’s mouth water.

The use of restrictive and image altering clothing such as fajas, corsets, and bodices are prevalent in this installation work. These articles of clothing hold a complex and intimate relationship with the wearer as they are the layer that connects with the skin but alters the perception of the body to make women appear smaller. These restrictive articles are almost mandatory items in the closets of Hispanic women which I utilize to cross reference the expectations of women’s bodies/expressions and the mistreatment of cattle in the meat industry, both viewed as tools being exploited through the fragmentation and consumption of their bodies. Through manipulation of fibers, I create grotesque yet elegant forms that juxtaposed traditionally feminine materials to create the look of raw meat in an intentionally haphazard manner. 

The incorporation of materials such as plastic beads, faux pearls, wax, lace, and latex are representative of the microplastics, toxins from steroids, and other additives forced upon nonhuman animals in factory farms that are later consumed by humans through everyday products. These harmful and inhumane methods of care -using this term lightly- are the result of budget-saving shortcuts used by multi-billion dollar corporations that believe this to be necessary for the success of their monopolized industry and wallets. Regardless of who suffers or at what cost, whether it be the nonhuman animals being consumed after a life of torment, the immigrant workers losing their sanity at such a harrowing occupation, or the human consuming the toxic carcasses of cows, pigs, chickens, etc..

This glamorized view on unethical consumption and excess in capitalism, within the meat industry and fashion industry add to the objectification of women, demonstrating the idea of women being fragmented, sexualized, and mistreated by a patriarchal society to be consumed then regurgitated back for profit. 

This body of work places the viewer in the ‘man’s’ position, making one feel as though they are gazing through a butcher shop window (a carnicería in Spanish) looking for a next meal or purchase, beginning the conversation of is this necessary? And is this how we want to continue?