Empowering Art: Aging, Strength, and Self-Respect with laura Bernardeschi Nelson

http://www.saatchiart.com/lauraartist68

Title: Aging, Strength & Self-Respect

Artist: Laura Bernardeschi Nelson
Medium: Acrylic on canvas, mixed media (glued bra and necklace)
Size: 40 x 60 cm
Signed: Front and back
Ready to hang

This striking 40×60 cm mixed media artwork combines acrylic paint with tangible, real-world objects—a black bra and ornate necklace—directly affixed to canvas. It’s a bold, unapologetic piece that merges femininity with social commentary, drawing on Laura Bernardeschi Nelson’s personal philosophy around mental health, respect, strength, and the visibility of ageing women.

The female figure, faceless but vividly styled with orange-red hair and bright, expressive lips, occupies centre stage. Surrounding her are words painted on the canvas like “AGEING,” “RESPECT,” “STRENGTH,” and “MENTAL HEALTH,” serving as affirmations and social cues. Colourful confetti dots and heart-shaped foam embellishments further animate the surface, symbolising emotion, identity, and joy amidst complexity.

The glued-on bra and vintage-style necklace are not just visual props but metaphors—representing layers of identity, vulnerability, and adornment. The tactile presence of these objects forces the viewer to confront the boundaries between the body and societal perception.

By combining text, texture, and traditional portraiture elements, this piece challenges conventional notions of beauty, ageing, and emotional resilience. It honours the lived experience of women who navigate societal expectations while holding on to dignity and strength.

The artwork is signed on both front and back and comes ready to hang. Every brushstroke and embellishment is a celebration of feminine endurance and self-worth—core themes that define Bernardeschi Nelson’s evolving body of work.