Press Release

My series, I Can Buy Myself Flowers, explores themes of emancipation, self-empowerment, and inherent self-worth.

The title is a conscious reference to Miley Cyrus’s anthem, which dismantles historical romantic narratives in favor of an independent identity. Traditionally, flowers have been gifted to women (as well as men and members of the LGBTQ+ community) as gestures that implicitly dictate their value. By shifting the act of buying flowers to an intentional choice of one's own will, a person’s worth becomes self-defined rather than relationship-dependent.

In this way, the series repositions the concept of "social identity." While our identities are undeniably shaped by our significant others, we should untangle our feelings of self-worth from romantic partnerships and antiquated social codes.

To emphasize the universality of this message, I deliberately rendered the figures in black and white – underscoring that this experience belongs to everyone. Furthermore, I really wanted the patterns of the women's dresses to match their bouquets, illustrating that beauty is not a passive ornament, but an integral part of identity.