Interview: How Artwork Unveils the Facades Women Don in Society
Montreal-based artist Sandra Chevrier is recognized for her vibrant paintings, illustrations, and street art that merge striking depictions of women with elements of comic book culture. Her newest exhibition, “a Cage & a House in it,” presents a collection of 35 paintings that took two years to create. Expanding on her famous portrait series The Cages, these fresh visuals utilize an array of media to convey a message about our limitations and the external influences that form our identities.
Hosted at Miami’s Goldman Global Arts Gallery, this exhibition represents Chevrier’s largest showcase to date. “Years ago, I encountered Sandra Chevrier’s work at an arts fair and was left in awe,” shares Jessica Goldman Srebnick, CEO of Goldman Global Arts and curator of the Wynwood Walls. “Her pieces resonated with me as a woman in a way that no artist had before in my career. Each look made me feel the power of her canvases penetrate my essence. Her paintings are a reminder of the incredible strength of women and the importance of embracing that power unapologetically.”
Through her poignant paintings, Chevrier’s reflections on the masks women wear in society resonate widely with female audiences. Her art visually articulates the inner turmoil that many women currently confront.
We had the opportunity to converse with Chevrier about this impactful series of images and the exhibition, which will be on display until January 2026. Continue reading for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
What inspired this body of work?
I began contemplating and creating for this exhibition in 2023, which marked a decade since the Cages series was launched. This anniversary truly motivated me to display some classic works, including hand-painted reinterpretations and evolutions of my favorite pieces, alongside new images that represent my ongoing evolution as an artist and individual.
These varied chapters draw inspiration from my personal highs and lows, my losses, difficult periods, and the process of discovering my identity amidst societal expectations. The concept of liberation emerged as I contemplated breaking free from these constraints. I’ve aimed to encapsulate those moments of both chaos and tranquility in my recent works, reflecting struggles and triumphs. The solitude experienced during the pandemic heightened my awareness of our physical and mental limitations, prompting deeper thoughts on freedom and the significance of defining myself.
Why does the theme of liberation resonate with you?
Liberation is significant to me as it connects with our innate desire to escape the norms and constraints imposed by society. I aspire to highlight those transformative moments in my artwork, illustrating how strength and even a touch of chaos can lead to potential. This theme acts as a reminder that while we yearn for freedom, various barriers—both external and internal—exist. My art emphasizes these struggles and successes, aiming to inspire individuals in their personal journeys toward empowerment.
Freedom often feels more like an illusion than a tangible reality. We are enveloped by laws, regulations, and traditions that shape our lives and hold us back. Nonetheless, if we listen to our hearts and pursue our genuine desires, we can discover a sense of freedom within ourselves. Rather than feeling confined by the limitations surrounding us, we can forge a safe sanctuary within—a comforting home—even amidst the cages life constructs around us. In this space, we can be authentic and experience a true sense of liberty: A Cage & a House in it.
How does the use of different media help you convey your vision?
Employing diverse materials enables me to explore these intricate themes in a more nuanced manner. I experiment with everything from inks and watercolors to spray paint, acrylics, rice paper, cotton, and linen canvas, along with striking mosaics. Each medium contributes its unique essence.
Working with rice paper has been particularly enjoyable; it lends a lovely delicacy to my pieces that enhances the experience and fosters self-reflection. Cotton canvas permits clean, defined lines, ideal for detailing portraits and comic illustrations. The textures of linen canvas grant me greater freedom in my brushwork, and I appreciate the natural colors and feel of linen, which I frequently incorporate into my backgrounds while allowing some of it to remain visible.
What medium was the most challenging to work with?
Thus far, my greatest challenge has been hand-painting the comic books. It demands considerable detail and immense patience, yet it’s incredibly fulfilling and almost meditative. I apply flat colors initially, and in the final stages, I add the black outlines that unify everything.
The most satisfying?
Incorporating the fire element into my Cages series has brought me the most satisfaction. It adds a new perspective to my work. The energy of the fire is captured in a moment, creating a sense of tension.