Eri Maeda
At The Ode To we are always curious to learn more about creativity and artistry, so we asked Paris-based artist Eri Maeda to tell us a little bit about her life, her art and her sources of inspiration.
What do you want to call your series of artworks, and why?
– I’ve named this series ‘Guilty Pleasure’. The sculptures capture the essence of female pleasure and transport the viewer to a surreal and otherworldly realm, evoking an unreal experience.
In a society that often stigmatizes women's pleasure, these sculptures celebrate the power and beauty of self-love and self-respect. By boldly embracing and showcasing the female orgasm, my work challenges outdated societal norms and promotes a more positive, accepting view of female sexuality.
What technique did you use?
– I used clay and glaze. To achieve the dreamlike colour mix, layers of glazes were manually sprayed.
What inspired you to create the artworks you have made for The Ode To?
– Through my art, I hope to challenge these societal norms and promote a more positive and accepting view of female pleasure. By creating visual representations of the orgasmic experience, I aim to inspire greater openness and understanding of this important aspect of the human experience.
As a woman, I have personally experienced the shame and silence that often surrounds discussions of female sexuality. I believe that this stigma is harmful and does a disservice to all individuals, regardless of gender, who seek to explore and understand their own desires.
Could you tell us about your background and how you came to be an artist?
– My journey as an artist began as a form of self-love therapy. Realizing that I was a prisoner of toxic beauty standards, I turned to art as a means of self-expression and as a way to promote positive and diverse representations of female beauty. My early works included vases in the shapes of various female body types that were underrepresented in media. As I continued to create, my focus shifted towards abstract sculptures that celebrate female pleasure as something to be encouraged rather than shamed. Through my art, I seek to challenge societal norms and promote a more positive and accepting view of female sexuality.
How would you describe your art and aesthetics in three words?
– Breaking Standards, Bold and Sensual.
What we love about Eri Maeda:
We are captivated by Eri Maeda's fearless approach to art and her dedication to challenging societal norms surrounding women's pleasure. Her sculptures beautifully capture the essence of this joyous experience and create a surreal and empowering realm for the viewer. Through her bold and sensual creations, Eri promotes self-love, self-respect, and a more positive and accepting view of female sexuality, making a significant impact in the art world and beyond.
