MEDIUM: Digital Illustration, Poster
DESCRIPTION:
“Her” critiques the practice of fetal gender detection and the resulting gender discrimination. In this ultrasound image, a female fetus with the body of a black sheep and a baby girl’s face uses the dual symbolism of the “black sheep” to represent both innocence and being an outcast. This piece brings viewers to confront the harsh realities of how societal prejudices devalue girls before they are even born. Created using Procreate and Photoshop
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
“Her” was inspired by the deep-rooted issue of gender discrimination, particularly as it manifests through fetal gender detection. This artwork addresses a social phenomenon where a child’s worth can be determined by their gender even before birth, perpetuating long-standing biases and injustices. The choice to depict the female fetus with the body of a black sheep is intentional and layered with meaning. The term “black sheep” is a double-edged idiom—on one hand, it represents innocence, and on the other, it signifies rejection, exclusion, and being deemed different or inferior. In many cultures, the “black sheep” is the one who doesn’t fit in, the one who is not valued. By merging this image with that of an unborn girl, I wanted to highlight how certain forms of gender discrimination often relegate girls to the status of “black sheep” even before they have a chance to prove themselves. The artwork reflects a suffocating environment where the fetus, an emblem of purity and potential, is already burdened by societal prejudices. The dual symbolism of the black sheep underscores the injustice of judging a life by its gender and serves as a powerful reminder of the need to combat these biases. Through “Her,” I aim to provoke thought and inspire change, encouraging viewers to challenge the ingrained prejudices that allow gender discrimination to persist. This piece is a call to recognize and value every life, free from the shadow of gender bias.
