"I created this painting with the knowledge that it would be exhibited during Miami Art Week at Manolis Project Gallery for their themed show 'Bunnies & Beyond,' a tribute to Hunt Slonem who would be presenting his new sculpture collection concurrently.
I reflected on how he began painting bunnies – inspired while eating at a Chinese restaurant – and in anticipation of the upcoming Rabbit year 2024. The thought of bunnies led me to associations with Playboy (Hugh Hefner) and a photograph of Kate Moss posing in a bunny costume for Playboy magazine. With these diverse references, I just let my subconscious mind guide the creative process.
I titled it 'Honey I'm Home,' drawing inspiration from the movie Pleasantville, where women traditionally stay at home, almost too obedient to male figures. In contrast, Playboy women, though objectified, worked to earn their own money, in spite of being likely underpaid.
The painting explores the controversy of objectification and the liberation of feminine sexuality, breaking free from the norms of Pleasantville. The artwork focuses on feminine sexuality power. The dragon or animal, possibly representing male instinct, gazes at her like prey, yet in this painting, it is also attentive, present, and protective. She sits calmly in the center, asserting her power and ownership. The animal surrounds her like a boa, massive, but she is the master. One may wonder if she is riding it, symbolizing her inner power.
She playfully declares, 'Honey, I'm home,' reversing the traditional gender roles where males typically uttered this phrase upon returning from work. Here, home is not a confined house, it's in the wild where she can be in harmony with Mother Nature. She is a teaser, deciding who, when, and how. The animal waits patiently, displaying respect and love. This painting is a message of mutual respect and love, where the lady revels in her sovereignty."
