Eating Disorder Art

Maria Raquel Cochez' art is shocking, invasive and downright degrading in every way. But oh so perfectly. One of her installations involves the visitors to be weighed, labeled and fed then shamed which giant neon sighs proclaiming FAT IS SHAME. In a world where our exterior is our main credentials, Cochez shows with stunningly clear perception the obsession that we and her have. I interpreted this, personally, as eating disorder art.  The instillation was a cruel but meaningful piece, combining art with social experimentation to unpick taboos which can build up sufferers of eating disorders into the isolation that characterises the disease.

While Cochez' instillation is shrewd and original it could leave some doubting her prowess as an artist. Do not be fooled. Her paintings are just as stunning and engaging - covering focuses of food, from binging to children eating. They look like crude snap shops of a undercover mental health nurse, capturing a bulimic or binge eating in the midst of their shameful act. The cramped claustrophobic view point teamed with the washed out lighting which leaves the figure under scrutiny makes you feel like an awkward invader. The revealing quality of these paintings is what makes them so powerful and shocking. Even  the aversive eye contact which shows shame and the depth of the obsession adds to the invasive nature.

As subject matter, it is a touching and painful study of those who are consumed by their consumption but also is surprisingly realistic. The subtle and soft skin tones contrast perfectly with the harsh lighting but remains believable, as if viewing a hidden photo. The shadows, dark and offensive, are scarce and deep - setting the scene for a midnight binge.

I am very excited by this artist, check her out!!