Eve De Haan is a London based artist known for a strong body of neon installation work which examines the nature of relationships and the imprint technology has on youth culture. Her neons express a specific thought encapsulating a wider narrative through the use of short catchphrases or single words. Storytelling is a vital part of De Haan’s creative practice as she believes it has the ability to expand imagination and is a way of carrying culture. Such an approach was widely influenced by her Theology degree, which led her to explore and understand the power of the written word to evoke collective emotions in an audience.

‘You Look Good’ explores the effects of social media on women’s mental health, especially on body dysmorphia. The work was made in response to statistics proving that women in the UK are now twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety compared to men. De Haan is specifically interested in questioning the unrealistic body standards displayed online and describes altered images and filters as a potentially harmful content of imposed beauty canons. The placing of the goggles in the work takes on a symbolic meaning, recalling the idea that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

“Who is dictating the beauty standards to which many of us compare ourselves to? I made this artwork so the viewer is reminded that they look better than they think. Let’s be a little less critical of ourselves and others and embrace our bodies and all that we are blessed with.” (Eve De Haan)