Mixed Berries

"Mixed Berries," invites the viewer into a vibrant world where each piece of ripped magazine paper and stroke of acrylic paint coalesces to form a lush array of berries, not simply just a representation of aesthetic subjects; but the embodiment of deeper connections to femininity and the transformative journey of the female body. Created for the 2025 "M is for Menopause" exhibition, "Mixed Berries" is an homage to the colorful, complex, and ever-changing nature of the female experience—a reminder that we can find beauty in every phase of life, embracing the ripeness that comes with time.

Much like the texture of these mixed berries, the female body is a vibrant amalgamation of emotions, experiences, and biological changes. Each berry represents different aspects of womanhood—blueberries for wisdom and resilience, raspberries for the sweet, fleeting moments of youth, blackberries for the rich, complex emotions we encounter, and strawberries for the nurturing spirit inherent in femininity. The close-up perspective emphasizes the beauty in vulnerability, inviting viewers to explore the multi-layered experiences of their own bodies and identities.

Menopause, a time often cloaked in stigma, is a transition that almost all women experience, and needs to have light shed upon for what it is and all the emotional and physical transformations that accompany this stage of life. Just as mixed berries come together to create a harmonious flavor profile, so too do the changes brought on by menopause contribute to the overall richness of a woman's existence and thus should be celebrated, not hidden. Menopause is an opportunity for growth, reflection, and celebration, making way for new beginnings, much like the shift from summer fruits to autumn’s harvest.

In creating this work, Kiki Piper hopes to foster dialogue about the beauty intrinsic to our evolving selves. Just as each piece of magazine paper holds its own story, our bodies tell narratives shaped by time, resilience, and the shared journeys of womanhood.