Riley Nissen

Sustained Investigation Series
My main objective was to highlight the extraordinary women in history who fought for equality. These women fought for a wide range of topics including safe and legal abortion, women's rights, breaking gender norms, and racism. I investigated: How can I convey their individual ideas and beliefs through basic color palettes and simple designs? How can I push the boundaries with my art to draw attention to these controversial topics? I use the element of shock in my art to force the hard discussions.  Each painting is very forward and rich with symbolism, no sugar coating. For each painting I heavily researched each woman and placed myself in her shoes. With this idea in mind, I chose her most impactful points and created symbols for them.
“Marlene Dietrich” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint and clear varnish | I created this piece to bring attention to women in history that have fought for equality. Marlene Dietrich wore a men’s tux often because women’s tuxes or suits were not made yet. With this outfit, she always wore a top hat, which I included. I think the top hat was a power move so it was big for me to include that. I also separated the painting into three main pieces because she had three main parts of her life. These parts include: growing up in Germany, living in Hollywood and being in the spotlight, and the last few years of her life she spent in solitude in Paris, France. I created the grey border to make the illusion of a movie screen because she starred in many movies.
“Marlene Dietrich” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint and clear varnish | I created this piece to bring attention to women in history that have fought for equality. Marlene Dietrich wore a men’s tux often because women’s tuxes or suits were not made yet. With this outfit, she always wore a top hat, which I included. I think the top hat was a power move so it was big for me to include that. I also separated the painting into three main pieces because she had three main parts of her life. These parts include: growing up in Germany, living in Hollywood and being in the spotlight, and the last few years of her life she spent in solitude in Paris, France. I created the grey border to make the illusion of a movie screen because she starred in many movies.
“The Riveter” | 11” x 14” | ​Acrylic paint and clear varnish | This painting was based on Rosie the Riveter. I made the background red with white polka dots because of her iconic hair wrap. I also painted an airplane in the corner because after the riveter posters came out, the aerodynamic factories had the biggest effect. Women were so empowered, they rushed into work with airplanes. The original poster was of Naomi Parker Fraley. She was such an inspiring woman so I felt impelled to put her name on the painting. I also included the famous quote “We can do it”.
“The Riveter” | 11” x 14” | ​Acrylic paint and clear varnish | This painting was based on Rosie the Riveter. I made the background red with white polka dots because of her iconic hair wrap. I also painted an airplane in the corner because after the riveter posters came out, the aerodynamic factories had the biggest effect. Women were so empowered, they rushed into work with airplanes. The original poster was of Naomi Parker Fraley. She was such an inspiring woman so I felt impelled to put her name on the painting. I also included the famous quote “We can do it”.
“Simone de Bevoire” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint | Simone de Beauvoir was a famous writer who wrote the novel “the second sex”. The book highlighted the idea that women will always be behind men as a second choice.
“Simone de Bevoire” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint | Simone de Beauvoir was a famous writer who wrote the novel “the second sex”. The book highlighted the idea that women will always be behind men as a second choice.
“Gloria Steinem” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​This artwork is based off of Gloria Steinem. I started with the three big fists. The fist represents fighting the forces that suppress women. There is a photo online of Gloria and another woman with their fists in the air. This photo pushed me to include that aspect in the painting. On top of the fists I painted Playboy bunny ears. Gloria was a playboy bunny before entering her feminism state of mind. Later in life she resented this and thought it defeated women to be seen as objects. She was a big advocate for abortion rights in New York, she herself got an abortion at 22. Without safe abortion people sink to unsafe ways like using a hanger. I painted the hanger with the words “Never Again” to show how dangerous this can be. All together I think this piece represents fighting for what’s right for all women.
“Gloria Steinem” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​This artwork is based off of Gloria Steinem. I started with the three big fists. The fist represents fighting the forces that suppress women. There is a photo online of Gloria and another woman with their fists in the air. This photo pushed me to include that aspect in the painting. On top of the fists I painted Playboy bunny ears. Gloria was a playboy bunny before entering her feminism state of mind. Later in life she resented this and thought it defeated women to be seen as objects. She was a big advocate for abortion rights in New York, she herself got an abortion at 22. Without safe abortion people sink to unsafe ways like using a hanger. I painted the hanger with the words “Never Again” to show how dangerous this can be. All together I think this piece represents fighting for what’s right for all women.
“Audre Lorde” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint and black micron pen | ​The painting is based on Audre Lorde, who fiercely fought for equality for everyone. I then wrote one of her most famous poems, “Power”. The poem is about racism and sexism specifically relating to law.
“Audre Lorde” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic paint and black micron pen | ​The painting is based on Audre Lorde, who fiercely fought for equality for everyone. I then wrote one of her most famous poems, “Power”. The poem is about racism and sexism specifically relating to law.
“Alice Walker” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​My favorite book by Alice Walker is “The Color Purple ''. To honor this work I made the background purple and lavender. She also once said, “A woman is to a feminist and purple is to lavender.” Walker, an African American woman, was also once asked to give up her seat on a bus. This reminded me of the legacy left by Rosa Parks.
“Alice Walker” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​My favorite book by Alice Walker is “The Color Purple ''. To honor this work I made the background purple and lavender. She also once said, “A woman is to a feminist and purple is to lavender.” Walker, an African American woman, was also once asked to give up her seat on a bus. This reminded me of the legacy left by Rosa Parks.
“Betty Friedan” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | Betty Friedan was focused on individuality and spirituality. I often associate an eye with spirituality, which is why I centered the eye. Friedan fought for equality of not only gender but also for race.
“Betty Friedan” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | Betty Friedan was focused on individuality and spirituality. I often associate an eye with spirituality, which is why I centered the eye. Friedan fought for equality of not only gender but also for race.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the 3 women on the Supreme Court. Along with that statistic, there is one non-caucasian person in the Supreme Court. To highlight this imbalance, I did 9 circles to represent the 9 total members. I then colored them each off of skin tone and outlined them in either pink or blue, based on gender. Ginsburg was big on speaking up for everyone. Because of this, I did a big speaker in the background with the primary colors.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic | ​Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the 3 women on the Supreme Court. Along with that statistic, there is one non-caucasian person in the Supreme Court. To highlight this imbalance, I did 9 circles to represent the 9 total members. I then colored them each off of skin tone and outlined them in either pink or blue, based on gender. Ginsburg was big on speaking up for everyone. Because of this, I did a big speaker in the background with the primary colors.
Process Development for Sustained Investigation
Additional Artworks
“The Same Opposites” | 10” x 20” | Acrylic | I created this artwork to show how society changes us as people. The person to the left is calm but as society creeps into them they become crazy and out of control.
“The Same Opposites” | 10” x 20” | Acrylic | I created this artwork to show how society changes us as people. The person to the left is calm but as society creeps into them they become crazy and out of control.
“Lonely Tree” | 8” x 11” | Liquid acrylic
“Lonely Tree” | 8” x 11” | Liquid acrylic
“Brought Together” | 12” x 12” | Acrylic | The photo I used for this painting was taken at the Charlotte pride parade I attended previously this year. I liked this picture because it represented how society brought together a group of people who often feel alone. This event brings attention to these people and normalizes people being who they want to be. I loved how this piece tied in with my others because it shows the positive side of society.
“Brought Together” | 12” x 12” | Acrylic | The photo I used for this painting was taken at the Charlotte pride parade I attended previously this year. I liked this picture because it represented how society brought together a group of people who often feel alone. This event brings attention to these people and normalizes people being who they want to be. I loved how this piece tied in with my others because it shows the positive side of society.
“Beauty Is A Part Of Her” | 10” x 20” | Acrylic and clear varnish | I created this artwork to show how society forces beauty in women. Beauty is burned into girls’ brains at very young ages as a necessity when in reality it’s not. As we age this standard becomes apart of who we are, creating this cycle that we will eventually pass on to the next generation.
“Beauty Is A Part Of Her” | 10” x 20” | Acrylic and clear varnish | I created this artwork to show how society forces beauty in women. Beauty is burned into girls’ brains at very young ages as a necessity when in reality it’s not. As we age this standard becomes apart of who we are, creating this cycle that we will eventually pass on to the next generation.
“A Blooming Feminist” | 16” x 20” | Mixed-media collage
“A Blooming Feminist” | 16” x 20” | Mixed-media collage
"Reflection Off Reflections" | 12” x 12” | Acrylic
"Reflection Off Reflections" | 12” x 12” | Acrylic
"Delusional Lines" | 10” x 20” | Acrylic paint and yarn on canvas
"Delusional Lines" | 10” x 20” | Acrylic paint and yarn on canvas
“Leftover Date” | 8” x 11” | Acrylic
“Leftover Date” | 8” x 11” | Acrylic
“Simple Skies” | 12” x 12” | Acrylic
“Simple Skies” | 12” x 12” | Acrylic
“Spoken” | 18” x 24” | Acrylic paint and black pen | I created this piece the show the expectations women face in society.
“Spoken” | 18” x 24” | Acrylic paint and black pen | I created this piece the show the expectations women face in society.
“Rainbow Feelings” | 16” x 20” | Acrylic, micron pen, and white gel pen | ​I created this artwork by putting the pure red, yellow, and blue in the middle and gradually changing the color. The darker color resembles how our feelings change to darker and harder emotions and vice versa to the lighter colors. I placed the outlined plants on top because nature has always soothed me.
“Rainbow Feelings” | 16” x 20” | Acrylic, micron pen, and white gel pen | ​I created this artwork by putting the pure red, yellow, and blue in the middle and gradually changing the color. The darker color resembles how our feelings change to darker and harder emotions and vice versa to the lighter colors. I placed the outlined plants on top because nature has always soothed me.
“Through Many Eyes” | 16” x 20” | Acrylic | I love all the different styles of sunglasses because it represents all the different types of people.
“Through Many Eyes” | 16” x 20” | Acrylic | I love all the different styles of sunglasses because it represents all the different types of people.
“The Yellow Inn” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic, modeling paste, and wire on canvas
“The Yellow Inn” | 11” x 14” | Acrylic, modeling paste, and wire on canvas
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Artist website: https://rileynnissen.weebly.com/
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