The whole idea of being in a relationship is extremely romanticized. We all have expectations and very clear ideas of what we want and what kind of person we want as a partner, even if we don’t have someone in mind for the job.
Now, imagine if you were able to create your perfect match. And I’m not talking only about physical aspects, but also about all the personality traits you’ve always looked for in a partner. Well, for artist Mary Lucia Stephenson, that’s totally doable. In fact, you could even have several ideal partners, a different one for every occasion.
Stephenson got the idea for her project My Man when she was asked at a wedding if she was single. The question got her thinking about her own views about relationships, and our social anxiety to make it the main goal in our lives. After thinking about it, she reached the conclusion that, for most people, even herself, the whole idea of being in a relationship is absolutely romanticized, not to mention that we mainly focus on how others might look at us based on our relationship status.
Her bright and colorful images show her posing with her different men in classic date scenarios, in settings created by her as well. From picnics in the park, romantic dinners at restaurants, and a trip to Paris, Stephenson shows us those aspects that we tend to prioritize in a relationship (especially on social media). It’s as though we were more worried about how nice and desirable our relationships look on the outside, rather than living and enjoying the moment.
For Stephenson, the main focus of her project doesn’t have to do with the identity of the men, but rather particular and specific situations, and the symbols surrounding them. As Stephenson explains, when you’re not in a relationship and you start wishing to be in one, we focus on particular situations we wish to share with a partner, not really on how they might look. That’s why these clay and cloth sculptures don’t really have any particular features, not even eyes. They don’t have a particular personality nor expression; they’re just there for you to incorporate your desired traits.
That’s the entire idea of the project: our idealization of what we’re told should be an important life goal. So, now you know that if you’re worried about not being in a relationship, you can always live those ideal moments with your own handmade partner made to fulfill even your pickiest demands.
If you want to see more of Stephenson’s work, check out her Instagram and her official website.
***
Here are other artworks you might like:
The Day Cajsa von Ziepel’s Sculptures Came To Life And Learned To F**k And Smoke
These Incredible Shadow Sculptures Will Change The Way You Look At Trash
Cringy Sculptures Not Suitable For Susceptible Souls
***
