Hazel Thexton’s piece depicts modern women’s grooming products, as seen through the lens of a future society’s exhibit on archaic, restrictive beauty practices. This postmodern frame aims to recalibrate our understanding of contemporary grooming and beauty norms as self-evident and normal. The viewer must reconsider their usual reaction of shock or derision to similarly framed beauty practices of other cultures and eras consistent with certain beauty practices or standards, such as the use of lead-based makeup, foot binding, or corsets. The piece then ultimately challenges the viewer to question and reevaluate their own relationship to these seemingly innocuous items in their lives.

Hazel Thexton can be found on her website or on Twitter.