Age Gap

Thoughts

This was a very early digital piece. It kind of came about by mistake but I really like it and understood later the significance that it had for me. When I was 17 I went through a traumatic event and found my way of coping with that in the form of a sexual relationship with a 43-year-old married man. Turns out, this wasn't the best choice. Now, I'm conflicted about whether it was a choice or if a, see 'Shame'. 

The girl here has a confusing expression: sad but defiant eyes but a teasing open mouth. She seems to be leaning back and pulling away. Behind her are split versions of herself. Perhaps she is dissociating from what is happening around her. She could be conflicted about how she feels - torn in two directions one warm and one cold. Maybe this is a splitting point in her life where two versions of her continue. There are a lot of interpretations that could be found. It distinctly says: an important moment is occurring but allows the viewer to read many different emotions from the image.