Rebecca Tough

Biography / CV

Central to the work is a sense of play, mischief making and poking fun. The imagery investigates the representation of the female body, sexuality and the myth making that surrounds them.

Materials are selected for their fetishistic qualities, their familiarity and their multi-layered connotations. Hair is significant both as a physical tangible object and as an image. It is a symbol of sexuality and prowess, it is both seductive and repellent at once. Its connotations and its malleability make it a  perfect conduit for power and desire.

Found materials such as nets add another layer of reference such as a symbol for the first woman and the feeling of being trapped, contained and ensnared. Print processes and combining methods give a sense of narrative through its inherent illustrative qualities, the opportunity of a random mark and relationships made between images.

Current work focuses on the folklore of the sea and its inherent dangers. Imagery responds to sailor’s tales, the call of the siren and mythological creatures. I have long had a fascination with the character of Penelope form The Odyssey, The tale of Corry Wrecken and Mayrtedom.