The artwork titled “Mermaid” was created by Kiki Smith in the year 2000. This piece is categorized as a sculpture and falls within the Feminist Art movement, a genre that often seeks to present a narrative on gender roles, identity, and representation. As a manifestation of this movement, Smith’s work frequently explores themes related to the body, nature, and mythology, which are inherent in the concept of the mermaid.
Observing the artwork, one sees a small, sculptural form that combines the bust of a human child with the tail of a marine creature, indicative of mermaid folklore. The child’s face is antithetical to traditional depictions of mermaids; it bears a serene and innocent expression rather than the seductive or mystical mien often associated with such mythological beings. The surface of the figure appears finely crafted, with detailed attention to facial features and the scales on the tail, which suggests a thoughtful and deliberate exploration of form and texture. The mermaid’s visage is facing forward, directly engaging with the viewer, which might imply a narrative or an attempt to communicate an underlying message or theme relevant to the artist’s intentions within the context of Feminist Art.
