Inspiration:
This artwork is inspired by the hyperrealism and surrealism movement. The original (anti-) artwork that made the creator Mary Louise Aakram convert to dancing this fine line was “Luncheon In Fur” by Meret Oppenheim in 1936.
The combination of easily recognizable objects which don’t seem to go well together fascinates the artist. In this artwork the tension lies between the usually cold hard smooth surface of an teacup with the warm soft rough feel of human skin.
Description of the artwork:
On top of an upside down teacup is a brown skinned naked woman. It appears that she is dancing, some flexible dance move which arches her back. Her eyes watch the audience. Her legs are wide open and her toes are touching the tea cup handles. The teacup handles are white skinned human ears. They seem to be attached to the human skin toned teacup. This teacup has several veins running over it. This gives the illusion to it being alive.
Title description:
The title “She heard the tea” references to the slang “spill the tea”. Tea in this sentence references to gossip. Usually this is something juicy, like who kissed (or more). Not always, but more often is it followed by “No she did not!”. Indicating it is her fault, a subtle form of slut shaming.
In this artwork the woman is being slut shamed. She heard it but she couldn’t care less. She is dancing on top of the cup with her legs wide.
Process
It all started with this poorly 2 minute sketch of an cup with a literal ear. In the Netherlands (and a lot of Europeans) we call the handle of a teacup a tea ear.
I found the concept facinating so I decided to make a cleaner sketch. Smoothing out the exterior and deciding where the light source should come from.
After watching several body builders I became fascinated with the veins running under their arms. Therefore I decided to add those in my living cup.
I found the cup empty. Literally so I turned it upside down. Then I became fascinated with the saying “spill the tea”. Thus the dancer was born.
In this step it was decided that the skincolour contrast was fascinating, and I kept it. Felt that it fit with the theme of the artwork.
This is the final NFT. She got hair and became connected to the cup.
Favourite details
NFT
Want to check out this NFT? Check it here (click).