Artist Statement

I grew up in the diverse culture of New Orleans. The pageantry and drama of the city have  influenced  my work greatly.

Using the body as a vehicle, I   explore traditional characteristics and imagery associated with gender, culture and the notion of idealized beauty through, advertising, fashion fetish and identity. I am experimenting with how people present themselves sexually through dress, gesture, body language and other “signifiers”. I believe that costume itself can become a form of fantasy  that constructs identities for both the figures and their surroundings.

Loretta Bourque