Lies We Tell Ourselves (2022–present) examines the enduring impact of twentieth-century advertising on the roles, expectations, and ambitions of modern female-identifying persons. Midcentury advertising profoundly shaped how women saw themselves and their place in the world, dictating rigid ideals of beauty, behavior, and value. These ideals were not only internalized by women but also passed on to future generations, embedding unattainable expectations as the norm.

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The impossible standards perpetuated by these advertisements continue to shape identity, sense of worth, and feelings of belonging. Women are conditioned to measure themselves against ideals that are fundamentally unachievable, creating cycles of self-doubt and disillusionment. This internalized inadequacy reinforces patriarchal structures and benefits capitalist systems that profit from the endless pursuit of perfection.

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As a cisgender white woman, I acknowledge the privilege of my perspective while recognizing the additional pressures placed on individuals whose bodies, identities, and experiences do not align with the narrow, exclusionary narratives of desirability and value. For women of color, queer and trans individuals, and those living with disabilities, these imposed ideals are not only unattainable but deeply alienating, compounding feelings of marginalization and invisibility.

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This body of work seeks to challenge these harmful narratives by exploring their roots, their ongoing influence, and the ways they distort identity and place. By confronting these inherited lies and presenting them in a lighthearted manner, we can begin to unravel their power and reimagine more inclusive, authentic, and empowering narratives and see these standards for how ridiculous they truly are.