Inspired by paper doll books of my childhood, “Paper Bride” is an installation of white gouache and watercolor painted tracing paper dolls appropriated from an actual paper doll book. The original Dover Paper Doll book includes one bride, one groom, and several different tuxedos and wedding dresses.

My choice of materials was intended to create a sense of mystery.  I felt it necessary for me to make all of the dresses in exactly the same style and thin enough that no matter which one the bride wore, she would be seen underneath. The lighting choice was intended to spotlight the one doll hanging in the center of the room and lower than the dresses, where her shadow was the only noticeable one cast on the floor.

I felt it important to utilize the images from actual paper doll books to emphasize the unnatural body type that children are trained to believe to be ideal for a bride to have. Again, I wanted the thin paper to be almost transparent because although she is the center of attention, she almost disappears within the hovering dresses around her.

I stayed true to the original Paper Doll Wedding Dress, which included a faceless headed bride and veil. Although the image can be interpreted as something other than a wedding dress, I felt it important that I stay true to the actual design of the book.