Awaiting

THE STORY

"Awaiting" is a mixed media collage from 2019, inspired by the sex workers of Times Square in the 1970s, evoking a raw and bold sense of defiance and identity. The piece uses various textures and materials, notably newspaper clippings that give the background a gritty, urban feel, symbolising the chaotic and transient atmosphere of Times Square during this era. The two figures, depicted in cut-out, abstract forms, seem to confront the viewer with directness and attitude. Their faces are left featureless, likely to emphasise anonymity or to highlight their societal invisibility. The figure in the foreground, wearing a short skirt, fishnet stockings, and a white tank top with bold text, presents a provocative stance, possibly representing the empowerment and struggle of marginalised individuals. The text on the shirt reads “BEAT ME WHITE F****”, which likely comments on the racial and power dynamics of that time and place, challenging viewers to reflect on the intersection of violence, race, and sexuality. The second figure, in a partially open jacket and with short, spiky blonde hair, leans back in a more casual pose, adding to the contrast between tension and nonchalance. The collage employs bold black and white tones, with hints of gold and muted red, creating a stark contrast that echoes the tension between glamour and decay in the life of a 1970s sex worker.

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