Reflection of Janine Antoni's work, "Lick and Lather"

Janine Antoni’s work Lick and Lather is significant because it demonstrates a very personal yet somehow universal love/hate relationship with oneself. How she reflects her internal struggle is very endearing—but yet equally interesting in her decision to cast only busts. These works completely disregard her body—usually the root of so many insecurities, and instead focus solely on her neckline and upwards, completely representative of what Antoni—along with all of us—see of ourselves daily in the mirror. I think her use of materials that are so semi-permanent compliments her personal impressionability whether it be uplifting or deteriorating thoughts towards herself—proving the human perception of oneself to be almost as malleable as the soft soap and chocolate. Her ability to consciously wipe away the chocolate and soap with her form—into her form is representative of building yourself into the person that you ultimately see in the mirror, whether it be insecurity filled or free, but none the less there... and completely you.

Video Link: http://ec2-75-101-145-29.compute-1.amazonaws.com/art21/artists/janine-antoni