Interview with Paige Greeley

“My current research examines my experience as a Western woman and analyzes my previous adherence to the concept of beauty-as-currency. Feminine beauty is culturally defined and has always been a form of wealth in the West. In my current body of work, I am examining the biological argument for the evolution of this behavior, the overwhelming social pressure to conform to this behavior, subjection by the patriarchy, women’s complicity, and the many forms of exchange involved in utilizing beauty currency. Combining my advocacy work on a rape crisis hotline and my own exploitation, I create visceral, figurative, large-scale oil paintings that examine the perennial dangers of beauty-as-currency and the abuse it inflicts on women.” - Paige Greeley