Have they changed me?
Jade Menzies
Have they changed me? (detail) 2025
White raku
Underglaze, gloss glaze
29 x 22.5 x 28.5 cm
About the Artwork
Have they changed me? is my deeply personal attempt at creating a physical representation of the severe and crushing societal pressures faced by teenagers in modern environments. The expectations to comply to strict and unhealthy beauty standards often result in young people feeling inadequate in the eyes of society. The vessel is a physical embodiment of how I see myself, covered in the eyes of those who are unforgiving and unbelievably harsh, and torn apart by the society that promised to welcome me. Finally, the black cracks that are created from somewhere dark within myself, represent my withering self-confidence and crumbling composure, and are constantly growing and leeching further across anything that is bright and unbroken. Through this representation, I truly hope to help society understand the severity of its gaze, not in the naive assumption that it will soften, but in the hope that society will gain some awareness.
About the Artist
Jade Menzies is a 16-year-old student based in Townsville, who works with ceramics, sculpture, and painting. Through her artwork, she likes to explore her experience of living as a teenager in today’s hyperconnected world, and the difficulties that come with learning to live independently as a young adult. While she is currently still in high school, she hopes to pursue a career in art or design in the future. For the moment, however, she will continue to express herself creatively and will continue to experiment with different mediums to find her true passion.