Nail Art is a recent cultural phenomenon. The fact that it is fashionable to have inch-long acrylic nails provides a new sort of canvas, with a lot of potential. An interest in doing my own nails led me to compare the process: filing priming, layering varnish, to that of oil painting – a technique which is traditionally held in much higher regard. By painting reproductions of recognisable fine art, I aimed to contrast traditional notions of high and low art. As I did more ‘Nail Art’ I recognised my own prejudices and questioned why ‘tacky’, ‘kitsch’ nails could not also be just as much art. Nail Art is seen by everyone you encounter in your day to day life and appeals more widely than buying fine art does. This removes art from its high culture pedestal.
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