With the rising popularity of ‘slugging’—a routine involving excessive layers of moisturizer applied to the face—O’Shea is drawn to this trend while simultaneously questioning its underlying impulse.

Traditionally, women are conditioned to covet shiny, glossy things, often equating them with personal worth and fulfillment. Yet, they are bombarded with conflicting messages about empowerment. The act of slugging transforms one into a sticky object, conforming to a social trend, yet potentially becoming a source of repulsion. This body of work confronts these paradoxes, adopting the notion that embracing the grotesque nature of slugging may lead to enlightenment.

University of Oregon Terminal Creative Project, Ditch Projects, 2024