This body of work is a call to reflect on how women experience ageism and sexism simultaneously as they reach middle-age and beyond. It is undeniable that flowers evoke beauty, especially as they first bloom. But what happens to that beauty as they mature? Do they become less beautiful? Does it ever really fade away, or does it change and evolve? For women, society makes the answer very clear — our beauty and value fade as we age. Wrinkles, laugh lines, grey hair, and many other signs of ageing are meant to be corrected or hidden away. Modern manners even consider it rude to ask a woman her age, as if it is something to be ashamed of. Older women become less sexy, less the temptress and more the insignificant matron. Our value of beauty and youth fades away, and we become invisible. Pushed to the background. Unseen. As I observed these flowers age, their unique allure seemed to emerge with opulent character. An initial bouquet of common flowers evolved into a variety of exceptional samples of their species. Simple perfection gave way to endless opportunities for distinctive beauty — petals became curled and wrinkled, colours shifted and softened or became even bolder, stems and leaves posed themselves in more interesting ways. These flowers had wilted, not weakness or shame, but with strength and artistry. Why can’t we appreciate the ageing of women the same way? These flowers were given titles of offence that women experience (either externally or internally) about their appearance as they age. My intention is to evoke a reaction in the viewer, who feels the beauty and admiration of the image juxtaposed with the callous commentary. If it feels uncomfortable to say these things to a gorgeous, mature flower, then it should also feel offensive to say this to a mature woman, whose beauty and value has gone beyond the external and who should no longer remain unseen.

About

Holly Romano lives and works in Columbus, Ohio. Her art practice focuses primarily on photography, painting, and mixed media processes. Her paintings and photographs are rooted in the complexities of being a mother, from caring for her children to maintaining a household. She also uses alternative photography processes and mixed media to explore the beauty and vastness of the natural world and hopes to promote wonder and appreciation. Romano holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in graphic design and a minor in photography. After 16 years of successfully working in the design field, Romano is happy to put her focus back on her fine art and studio practice.

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