A solo digital exhibit by Kylie Millward
Digital exhibit goes live on MAY 15, 2020
Kylie Millward is presently in her final semester as an MFA Candidate in Painting and Drawing at the University of Utah’s Department of Art and Art History. After having graduated from the University of Kansas with a BFA in Illustration in 2013, Kylie worked as a freelance illustrator, an art teacher to children in public schools and community-based art centers, and seasonally fights wildfire for the U.S. Forest Service.
Artist Statement
Because of gender inequality, women grow up with toxic ideas about themselves. Our culture forces women to fit within narrow categories, and this massive pressure to conform leads to feelings of shame, depression, and even self-destructive behavior. Although I recognize the issues clearly, I personally still struggle with the pressures to remain within the confines of societal margins. With the application of humor, educational devices, and the accessible nature of mediums such as colored pencil, animation, and plush toys, my work confronts the unrealistic expectations placed upon women and our power to overcome. Our society is in dire need of a positive narrative that will empower females to know of their endless strength and capacity, which will inherently improve the quality of life for future generations to come.