Malena Sullivan
Eve, the first woman upon this earth, has had sin and seduction laid upon her for centuries as the catalyst that caused humanity’s fall. Her choice to eat the apple and offer it to Adam is used as evidence that she, and therefore all women, have a tendency towards seduction and deception. Over the centuries, the story of Eve has been used to define the image of women and has underpinned our perception of sex and gender. The popular belief surrounding Eve’s damning narrative as the devil’s gateway has proven difficult to redress.
The concert posters of the 1960’s encapsulated the spirit of the era. These psychedelic works
went beyond promoting a concert: they symbolized the era’s quest for freedom, experimentation, and tackling contemporary social movements. Free-spirited artists stopped viewers in their tracks with bold colors, fluid typography, and often sexually charged illustrations. These posters challenged the mainstream with the energy of the counterculture movement. While men dominated the industry, many women artists, much like Eve, have continued to be overlooked. Bonnie MacLean, the leading female artist, defined the visual language of the 60’s with her mind-expanding, intricate, swirling designs. MacLean, along with other women artists such as Ida Griffin, Ami Magill, and Hetty McGee, worked in kitchen-table studios behind the scenes without proper recognition for their contributions.
In my representation of Eve, I strive to emulate the essence of these concert posters. Here, Eve is the star where she reclaims her story, taking control of her own narrative, challenging what has been said, and forcing a confrontation with her past. She has taken on the role of icon where her resilience bursts through. As a symbol for the human experience, Eve acts, chooses, and engages with the world around her not led by man but through her own self-determination. No longer passive and misrepresented, this Eve offers a new perspective and expresses her authentic self.