Laser paper cut on firm cardboard, 80 x 60 cm, framed, ed. 14/50, Städtische Sammlung Erlangen
Sonja Yakovleva's papercuts are delicate, rich in contrast and packed with content. In them, Yakovleva tells ambiguous stories in which power relations, sexuality and self-determination are negotiated - with a focus on strong and self-determined female figures. Yakovleva's figures always move between self-sexualization, feminist empowerment and objectification. Her works are sometimes inspired by pornographic images and videos, but also by motifs from art history and content from online and popular culture.
The papercut We Are Family is all about feminist empowerment. In the group of people Yakovleva depicts here, it is the three women who stand out. They confidently dominate the action and symbolize female sexual self-empowerment. The plot: a scene straight out of a porn movie.
Jacqueline Roscher and Nora Wolf
