Virginie Lerouge Knight

Reality Lipstic, sponge installation, 45 x 25 x 20 cm, 2010

The Every Day Reality of the Perfect Woman is a truth which is not mentioned in the glossy, trendy magazines. Social changes and the strong influence of fashion, especially in Shanghai, are encouraging women to watch their physical appearance, to please the other gender and attract the “perfect” match. As it was 2,000 years ago, the beauty of a woman’s body is still relevant; lipstick and fancy jewelry add to the trend: affordable, trendy, and feminine, they give every woman a sense of being attractive. At every social level, women use the power of their physical attractiveness for their own purposes. But the reality doesn’t stop there; not only are women under pressure to enhance their physical appearance, they are also expected to be educated, interesting and fulfill their more traditional roles as mother and housewife. This is today’s Perfect Woman. Back to your sponges!Virginie Lerouge Knight