Ali Haval Verified

Growing up in the southern US, I quickly learned there was a certain expectation of how to “properly” be a woman: now, I challenge what that looks like, using performed femininity as a tool to reveal not only gender disparities but also illuminate the relentless critique and politicization of the female body. Instead of hiding or denying femme aesthetics and female sexuality, my pieces embrace, highlight, and empower them, while acknowledging all the awkwardness, humor, and theatricality they entail.

My work is a balancing act between sensual forms and playful materials. By augmenting erotic, sensual armatures with glistening rhinestones, feathery pom-poms, and candy-colored fabrics, I assign new meanings and connotations to the forms. Using primarily ceramics and fabric, I create sculptures that evoke pieces of oversized jewelry, shoes, and other fashion and domestic items.

I begin a piece by sculpting a high-fired ceramic component, painting it, and carefully studying the surface one by one with tiny rhinestones. From here, I will add textile elements as well as beauty supplies materials like hair scrunchies and nail polish.

The resulting pieces are flirtatious, attention-seeking, and deceptively superficial. Toying with their own actualities and potential, they can speak—glittery and powerful—to politics in their own voice: excessive, unabashedly hyper-feminine, and most importantly, pink.

1. If The Shoe Fits
   Solo Exhibition
   South Dakota State University
   Brookings, SD
   2022
2. The Ecstasy of Saint Britne
   Curated by Francesca Pessarelli
   Group Exhibition Ceysson & Bénétière
   New York City, New York
   2022
3. Twice Pierced
   Solo Exhibition
   Walnut Gallery
   Gadsden, AL
   2022
4. Cosmetic Justice
   Solo Exhibition
   North Iowa Area Community College
   2021
5. Guilt, Enamel
   Solo Exhibition
   The University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA
   2020