Maria Esswein
Bottomless Lobotomies for $34.99, 2026
Ceramic
16 x 8 x 9.5 inches
Artist Statement:
My new body of work focuses on gender, art, and internet subcultures through a feminist perspective. Using ceramics and digital media, I deconstruct former beliefs and misconceptions about sexuality, intimacy, and identity through the metaphorical presence of “ghosts.” Ghosts in pop culture, literature, and media have been a topic of interest in our society, representing several ideas depending on the individual. How we interact with a “ghost” or past version of ourselves determines either a positive, negative, or neutral association with certain memories. Enmeshed with the hyper-fixation and criticisms of the female figure, Christian-based purity culture left me to work through feelings of disgust towards my own body. Internet culture further exasperated the issue with an influx of contradictory messaging like fatphobia, body positivity, sexual liberation, and modesty culture. I vocalized my need to feel desirable as a young teenager with sensual posts, inappropriate messages with anonymous older men, and utilizing contemporary trends. It created a constant internal battle of purity culture’s shame and guilt against my hunger for approval as a liberated, “mature” woman.
I am drawn to utilizing both hand-built and technological processes to intersect the world of traditional craft with the fast-paced, ever-changing digital age we currently live in. Working with my hands also allows a release from algorithms and a break from the overflow of information. In contrast, using a variety of software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D printing, requires constant updates and fine-tuning, necessitating online engagement. Both mediums serve my quest to maintain a healthy balance of co-existence in the virtual and real worlds.
