OANA MARIA POP
PASSIVE/ACTIVE
(Euphemisms and Voice)
2023
​
The project explores the intersection of language, gender-based violence, and trauma representation.
The paintings act as a bridge between written and spoken narratives. Works like "A Woman Was" and "A Girl Was" explore the passive voice, depicting the disempowerment it implies. Other paintings, including "Family Honour," "Passion Killing," "Family Drama," and "Family Tragedy," critique euphemisms used in media to downplay gender-based violence. They examine how terms like "family" and "passion" mask violence by suggesting intimacy, while "tragedy" and "drama" reduce severe events to distant spectacles.

Family honour, 2023
Oil and silicone on canvas
80 x 80 cm

Family tragedy, 2023
Oil and silicone on canvas
80 x 80 cm

A girl was, 2023
Oil on canvas
100 x 100 cm

Family drama, 2023
Oil and silicone on canvas
80 x 60 cm