Ingrid V. Wells perfectly captures the revolting nature of child beauty pageants as well as some of the brats that take part in them, at the behest of their parents, of course. Parading in caked on makeup and rock hard curled coifs, it is no wonder that the participants would have a skewed view of childhood, not to mention the standards of beauty.
Although Ingrid V. Wells' watercolor paintings depict only the dark side of such events, thanks to TLC’s reality television series Toddlers And Tiaras and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, it is hard not to view it in such a way on one's own. Captured through a lens of despair and disgust, Ingrid V. Wells forces people to rethink such traditions for the betterment of mankind.
Grotesque Toddler Paintings
Ingrid V. Wells is Inspired by Honey Boo Boo and Child Beauty Pageants
Trend Themes
1. Child Beauty Pageant Critique - There is room for disruptive innovation in creating alternative events that challenge the harmful aspects of child beauty pageants.
2. Reimagining Childhood - Opportunities exist to redefine standards of beauty for children and promote a healthier and more inclusive concept of childhood.
3. Artistic Expression as Social Commentary - Artists can use their work to shed light on societal issues and spur conversations for positive change.
Industry Implications
1. Child Entertainment - Child entertainment industries can explore alternative forms of entertainment that do not perpetuate harmful beauty standards or exploit young participants.
2. Art and Culture - The art and culture industry can support artists like Ingrid V. Wells who use their work to question and critique societal norms.
3. Child Development and Education - There are opportunities within child development and education industries to promote healthy body image and challenge harmful beauty standards for children.