Making Work Visible

The intention of “Exploring New Territory,” is to present a narrative focused on the working mother, the domestic father and the evolution of gender roles at home and in the workplace. The painting depicts a stay at home domestic father and a corporate working mother as a paradigm shift of contemporary life. Traditionally, the man is expected to be the primary wage earner and the woman is secondary, usually due to her dual role as worker and caregiver. In this painting, the mom and dad figures have chosen their respective roles based on preference and ability, not on the stereotypes and norms in the workforce.

The dad is a resourceful explorer character who has the ingenuity of strapping the baby, normally underfoot, to his back while he vacuums. His body is bent in a searching position and he has the vacuum hose as his hunting tool. Figuratively, he is exploring new territory as a domestic dad in a 21st century landscape where women are making strides towards equality in the workplace. He is not a feminized man, but rather symbolizes a modern masculinity that embraces the man as the nurturer.

The mom is smartly dressed in stylish and feminine business attire. The lavender blouse and facial make up underscores that she is not masking her femininity in the business world. She embraces her gender and is empowered to be a multi-tasking and productive woman who is drinking her morning coffee while reaching in her purse for, perhaps, a ringing cell phone.

I am a CUNY undergraduate seeking a degree after a decade in the workplace. I can relate to the mixed feelings of mom-guilt when I returned to work after the birth of my child along with feelings of motivation to achieve my career ambitions. I had often felt that I was supposed to take a backseat in the workplace due to my gender. This artwork is a way for me to liberate the woman that feels marginalized by gender stereotypes in the workplace and depict an evolutionary goal.

The evolution of gender roles is most poignant with the figure of the baby and the baby’s questioning gaze. The baby’s gaze at the viewer is meant to prompt the viewer to be inquisitive and ask the question- “Is this the new normal?“

The current political climate has brought issues surrounding women’s rights in the workplace to the forefront. In the spirit of creating an inclusive and egalitarian labor community, the evolution of gender roles is one way that a new normal towards progress can be achieved. The achievements of the current generation will impact the workplace environment for my own daughter as well as the many women in society that seek advancement and equality at work and at home.