Kiki Smith

Artist Kiki Smith has explored a lot of different dynamics involving stories, specifically in regarding Red Riding Hood. Smith has had a long time interest in wolves and the natural world. Its intriguing that in her work she represents the wolf and woman as equals instead of the natural prey and predator.

What is quite refreshing about this piece is that it shows a different side to the usual violent nature of the story of Red Riding Hood, showing an unnerving companionship between them, as the wolf lies totally docile at the woman's side. I love the contrasting way Smith has created these pieces of work with this new dynamic between human and beast, totally at ease in each others company. 

The piece below shows not adults, but children in mutual peace with the forest creatures. I like the way Smith has done one child with a deer, the deer being the usual prey of humans but both totally at ease in each others presence, and the other child (the one wearing the red cloak) is side by side with the wolf. Both pairs are natural enemies, at opposite ends of the food chain and yet are sitting in total comfort with each other.

I also think her style is really beautiful in the way she creates these illustrations, and the toned down colours she uses. I think the way in which she's drawn the wolves captures their essence really well.

This piece is different in that instead of the wolf and the girl living side by side, the woman is stepping out of the belly of the beast. It's a much more intimidating piece of work, the woman standing in a challenging stance, striding forward from the wolf and facing away from the fallen creature. She is in a position of power as she moves forward, appearing to have ripped her way out of the wolfs stomach to freedom, and emerged victorious.