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In contrast to the previous piece of art, this one is centered on the chess king. The king here represents how masculinity is often idealized and protected within societal structures. The golden, perfect mirror conveys an image of perfection and authority. Behind it are the castle and playing cards, which suggest systems of hierarchy, power, and stability that uphold the king. Although all of this contradicts the game of chess. In the game, the king cannot move more than one square at a time and is completely dependent on others for survival. The throne emphasizes this passivity, which positions the king as a figure who holds status without the same level of visible labor or scrutiny. Like the chess queen, the tomatoes are introduced here to add a subtle tension. But what's different is that they demonstrate the potential for critique or the king's collapse, but they remain unused, suggesting that the king is often shielded from such public judgment. Through all of these elements, the piece critiques how gender roles are constructed and maintained, revealing a disparity between perceived authority and actual contribution within systems that privilege male power.
This piece examines how the media portrays female success as empowering on the surface, but is still limiting. Phrases like “girl power” or “good for a woman” sound positive, but they separate women into a different category, implying they aren’t just good, they’re good for a woman. This piece is inspired by the very popular television show The Queen’s Gambit, featuring the main character, Beth Harmon. In this Netflix original, we follow her on her chess journey, where she inspires millions of women not only on the show but in real life. Although she is inspirational and empowering, she is also constantly followed by male scrutiny wherever she goes. The eyes convey this male gaze, watching, judging, and shaping how she is perceived.
The distorted chessboard beneath her acts as an illusion. It conveys how media narratives create a version of reality that appears fair but is actually uneven. The space she occupies is shaped by gender expectations rather than true balance, a theme that connects to The Queen’s Gambit, set in the 1900’s. Beth Harmon’s success is seen as exceptional not only for her skill but because she is a woman. As a result, her achievements are often framed in a “go This piece brings together the broader idea of how society, particularly through media and the internet, shapes and reinforces gender roles. The chess pieces are placed atop a globe, suggesting that these expectations are not isolated but global in scope. Surrounding them are symbols of social media, comments, notifications, and reactions, which represent the constant presence of an audience. “Too much” and “thumbs down” reflect this overwhelming criticism often directed towards the “women's side of the board.” It just conveys this same scrutiny that is seen in earlier pieces.
In contrast, the male king remains less targeted. There is a throne positioned on its side with no “media noise.” It shows that judgment is not applied equally and that societal structures worldwide continue to support and uphold men.
Overall, this piece suggests that gender perceptions are shaped and strengthened online, influencing both how people are viewed and how they view themselves.
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