Under Where? Exploring Female Empowerment and Vulnerability in Art

When I began working on Under Where?, I wanted to create something that would make people pause and rethink how they see women’s bodies, especially the parts usually hidden beneath clothing. The title itself is a playful twist on the word “underwear,” but it also asks a deeper question: Under where? What lies beneath the surface, both physically and symbolically? This triptych of three framed artworks explores female vulnerability and empowerment through a bold, minimal, and graphic style. It’s a personal project that grew alongside my career as an architect and interior designer, allowing me to express ideas that architecture alone couldn’t capture.

The Power of the Triptych Format

The triptych format felt like the perfect way to tell this story. Each panel stands on its own but also connects to the others, creating a sequence that invites viewers to move through the work slowly and thoughtfully. The first panel shows a woman lifting her dress from behind, revealing herself in a moment of quiet defiance. The second zooms in on legs with white underwear being pulled down, a close-up that feels intimate yet universal. The third panel returns to a woman from behind, lifting a blue top to expose her underwear.

Together, these three images create a narrative about exposure and concealment, vulnerability and strength. The figures are anonymous—no faces, no identifying features—so they become symbols rather than portraits. This anonymity makes the work feel universal, inviting anyone to see themselves or others in these moments.

A Bold, Minimal Graphic Style

I chose a graphic style that is both bold and minimal. The figures are rendered in warm terracotta and orange tones, set against deep black backgrounds. This contrast makes the images pop and gives them a striking visual presence. The flat colors and lack of facial detail strip away distractions, focusing attention on the body language and the act of revealing.

This minimalism also reflects the simplicity of the message: why should showing underwear be shameful? The work uses lightness and humor to draw viewers in, but beneath that surface lies a serious political charge. The playful title and bright colors contrast with the weight of the themes, creating tension that encourages reflection.

Challenging Social Norms Around Underwear

Why does society shame women for appearing in underwear? This question lies at the heart of Under Where? In many cultures, underwear is seen as private, even taboo. Women are often judged harshly for showing what lies beneath their clothes, as if their bodies are something to hide or control.

This project challenges those norms by putting underwear front and center, not as something to be embarrassed about but as a symbol of autonomy and freedom. The act of lifting a dress or pulling down underwear becomes an act of resistance against societal expectations.

Connecting to Global Movements for Women’s Autonomy

Under Where? also connects to broader global movements where women reclaim control over their bodies. In the Middle East, for example, women removing veils or baring themselves publicly have sparked powerful acts of resistance. These gestures challenge oppressive systems that seek to control female bodies and expression.

By referencing these movements, the triptych situates itself within a larger conversation about freedom, identity, and power. It’s a reminder that what may seem like a small act of revealing underwear can carry huge political weight.

A Personal Creative Side Project

As an architect and interior designer, my daily work focuses on shaping physical spaces. But art allows me to explore ideas and emotions that don’t always fit into blueprints or design briefs. Under Where? is a personal project that gave me space to experiment with form, color, and message in a way that feels raw and direct.

This creative outlet has been essential for me, a way to balance the technical with the emotional, the public with the private. It’s also a way to engage with issues I care deeply about, beyond the walls I help build.

Enhancing the Experience with Music

To fully experience Under Where?, I suggest listening to “Guess” by Charli XCX featuring Billie Eilish. The song’s playful yet edgy tone matches the artwork’s mix of lightness and seriousness. The music adds another layer to the viewing experience, inviting you to feel the tension between vulnerability and strength, humor and politics.

Reflecting on What Lies Beneath

Under Where? is more than just a visual project. It’s an invitation to reflect on what lies beneath the surface—in our bodies, our identities, and our societies. It asks us to question why certain parts of the female body are hidden or shamed, and what it means to reclaim that space.

I hope this triptych encourages you to think about vulnerability and empowerment in new ways. What does it mean to reveal yourself? How do acts of exposure become acts of resistance? And how can art open up conversations about freedom and control?

Thank you for joining me on this journey beneath the surface. I invite you to carry these questions with you and explore your own answers.