The Mirror

Includes bibliographical references (pages 14-14)ABSTRACT The Mirror By Monica Mancilla Sandoval Master of Arts in Visual Arts My work explores the social constructs of the ???ideal??? body. Through video performance, installation, and object making I examine perceived ???weaknesses??? associated with my own body; which I then expose, objectify, and dissect. In doing so, I am able to amplify and protest social constructs pertaining to expectations of beauty and physical identity. I???m not the girl next door, but I grew up wanting to be her. Adolescent fears are remarkably persistent towards adulthood; especially when societal rules help heighten them. Not being desirable enough to fit-in and the loneliness that follows are but a few consequences examined at the core of my work. If I am not desirable because of the width of my waist or the shape of my face, then do I even exist? Through this investigation, defiance and ultimately self-preservation is key. Smiling without breaking for ten minutes, exposing my arms and legs, or simply repeating the words ???I???m pretty??? over and over again; are a few examples of my work where the construct of beauty transcends itself. True beauty is not found through the male-gaze but rather through the ???flaws??? it attempts to avoid