I make paintings  that are colorful, pretty and humorous to attract attention, and then subvert  expectations.   I collage images from various sources, from high art to pop-culture, from funny baby goat videos to hair curler packaging, and create scenarios that force the viewer to look at the very things they wish to avoid.

In my current series, I am exploring what we deliberately decide to turn away from. Whether it’s the still stultifying expectations for women, or what is going on politically in the outside world, we all escape  and disengage.  I am interested in what we ignore and how we distract ourselves – what do we try to change and when do we pull the curtains shut?

Cynthia Zeman, Bedroom Curtains (detail) oils, 2020