Chemical Romance

24” x 2.5” x 12”

Purple heart/zebra wood handle, mirror, resin, 24k gold leaf

Dopamine + Serotonin + Oxytocin = love

What happens if we reconsider society’s standards of beauty and the unrealistic expectations placed on women by men?

The lipstick symbolizes the beauty industry’s influence in perpetuating its beauty standards. The background, a broken mirror mended with the Japanese art of kintsugi and adorned with 24k gold leaf, speaks to the idea of embracing one’s imperfections and scars as part of their unique beauty. This metaphor encourages viewers to see their flaws as valuable, as the chemical formulas for dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are forming an equation that equals love. This reminds us that self-love should not be contingent upon external validation but should stem from within.

Ultimately, this serves as a poignant reminder that women, and indeed all individuals, regardless of gender are inherently perfect just as they are. It encourages a shift in perspective, urging us to celebrate our authentic selves and reject the damaging messages that suggest otherwise. It is a call to acknowledge our worth, embrace our flaws, and love ourselves unconditionally, recognizing that true beauty lies in self-acceptance and the ability to see the golden value within our broken pieces.