Katie Croft

Pratt Institute

Artwork title: Sunbonnet Sue
Media Used

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
Sunbonnet Sue is a work featuring my daughter. The work was born out of series of portraits of her and questions the cultural ideals and norms of matrilineal heritage and explores how young women form their identity both independent of and deeply connected to their mothers and their family history. As I was creating the work, I was hoping to convey the pride, independence and strength of the girls of her generation while acknowledging the battles that she will have to continue to fight to gain equality in a male-dominated society. With the use of the Sunbonnet Sue quilt pattern, I hoped to show respect to the women of previous generations that fought the battles that came before me and that allow my daughter to be who she wants to be, how she wants to be.

How do you describe your work and practice?
Figurative realism with a focus on feminine family narratives and social structures.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
I was excited by the jury panel and interested to see how my work would compare to work by other students painting in a similar way.

What inspires your work?
My work is inspired by feminine family dynamics and my role as a daughter, mother and wife. I am also curious about generational shifts in the ideas, values and norms of what it means to be a girl and a woman.

www.katiecroftart.com
Instagram | @katiecroftart