Press Release

My series, I Can Buy Myself Flowers, explores themes of emancipation, self-empowerment, and inherent self-worth.

The title is a direct nod to Miley Cyrus’ hit song, which dismantles historical romantic narratives in favor of an independent identity. Traditionally, flowers have been gifted to women (and members of the LGBTQ+ community, respectively) as gestures that implicitly dictate a recipient's value. By shifting the act of buying flowers to an intentional choice of one's own will, a person’s worth becomes self-defined rather than relationship-dependent.

In this way, the series reframes the concept of "social identity." While our identities are undeniably shaped by external validation, we should untangle our self-worth from romantic partnerships and antiquated social codes.

To emphasize the universality of this message, I deliberately rendered the figures in black and white—underscoring that this experience belongs to everyone. Furthermore, I really wanted the patterns of the women's dresses to match their bouquets, illustrating that beauty is not a passive ornament, but an integral part of identity.