Throughout history, women have often been told to sit properly, make themselves smaller, and occupy as little space as possible. This painting challenges that idea through a bold, unapologetic pose a woman deliberately taking up space rather than shrinking herself.
The black sphere above her head represents a comet, referencing Caroline Herschel, the first woman credited with discovering a comet. Between 1786 and 1797, Herschel discovered eight comets.
By bringing these two ideas together, “Take Up Space” speaks about occupying space physically, visually, and historically instead of being told to make oneself smaller.