Peer Interpretations

SAMANTHA EVERTON - VINTAGE DOLLS - PARTY DRESS

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Julianna Smith, Female,16 years of age, Asian background

‘This image to me is about a girl who has been put into a certain society with expectations of being westernized, however she dreams about being a Chinese beautiful girl. Her dress is very modern and western, however in the mirror, what she can see herself as, is a beautiful Chinese little girl. This shows that she longs to be something which she cannot. The dresses in the background aid this idea as they are all western and colourful. The girl has been put into a society that does not accept her for who she is, so instead she has to dream about what she wants to be.’

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Kirsten Doherty-Bigara, Female, 16 years of age, Caucasian

In this artwork there is a sense of alienation and the desire to fit in. The girl looking into the mirror represents the person she wants to be; a European ‘princess’ surrounded with the colourful almost medieval dresses. However in the mirror the girl is represented in what one would consider her true ethnic identity, dressed boldly in Asian culture with the colours red and yellow definitely the focus of the picture. The space between the girl and the mirror represents the barrier in which the media and other influences have prevented her from discovering her true place in the world. The picture depicts the strong influence the westernized world has on more eastern countries, and their force of globalised culture.

SAMANTHA EVERTON- VINTAGE DOLLS- SECRET GARDEN

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Julianna Smith, Female,16 years of age, Asian background

‘This image is about a girl who is trying to escape where she has been trapped. It looks as though all of the things in the house are from the outside, trees, the bird etc. This means that she is sick of being kept inside, and wants to go outside. She imagines her house to be like the outside, which is why you can see the tree and bird. The ladder proves her desperation to get outside, and the little bit of light there is, is clear blue and beautiful. This girl is again Westernized and wants to get out of the place she has been trapped in.’

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Kirsten Doherty-Bigara, Female, 16 years of age, Caucasian

‘This piece articulates a need for change and freedom. With the girl in a pink dress, this represents an obvious difference from the dapple browns and greens that surround the room. The girl looking outside indicates a desire to be within that particular area, giving us the indication that where she is not necessarily where she belongs. The bird and tree may represent an alternate or created reality, indicating a safe environment with the illusion of the natural atmosphere. However the girl is eager to venture out into the wild as her natural instinct for adventure and freedom overtakes her.’