Arianna Tamaddon

About Arianna Tamaddon

I create photorealistic oil paintings that decry the dynamics of power, femininity, and impermanence within our often superficial and unfortunately consumer-driven world. The visual theme I use to depict this is the imposition of an external force onto the subject—most plainly expressed through the intersection of organic and inorganic surfaces. These external forces attempt to distort, elevate, or preserve the appearance of each painting’s subject in a way that strips them of their agency. By using the creamy, sensuous textures of oil paint, viewers are coaxed into visual consumption, and thereby implicated in the subject’s exploitation. The pieces create a conversation about the sacrifice of the individual for the achievement of an ephemeral ideal. Western culture cultivates the relentless pursuit of this ideal by augmenting the purported value of form over substance. The thin veil of consumerism, aggrandized in an age dominated by social media, is lifted to bare the ugly truth: a society that upholds the belief that self worth is singularly tied to the ability to curate one’s appearance into a profitable, consumable good is bankrupt and rotten from its core. The overt emphasis of make-up, plastic, and synthetic materials in my paintings direct the eye to the charming artifice of their distortions. While the subjects are permitted to glow with their preternatural glamour, a caution is levied onto the viewer. They are reminded of how successful this seductive type of supplication is from both sides of the plastic.

Experience

1. Associate

   Sideporch

   Sep 2023 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   SidePorch is an innovative consulting firm dedicated to working alongside ethos-driven organizations across Climate, Education, Health, and Human Performance. We specialize in strategy, operations, and partnerships, using a collaborative approach that embeds us within client teams to accelerate growth and impact, especially in moments of transition and with novel ideas. We\'re committed to building solutions, networks, and connections to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.

Education

• Wesleyan University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biology

• Wesleyan University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biology, General

• Parsons School of Design - The New School

  Master of Science - MS, Strategic Design and Management