Agriculture, Patriarchy, and Climate Change: From the Perspective of Mediator Shea Goodson

By Shea Goodson, Science Gallery Atlanta Mediator and Current Student at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health

Artist Statement

I am creeped out by agricultural processes and patriarchal systems. I explore connections between practices such as factory farming, overplanting, over-harvesting, and antiquated patriarchal structures by creating vibrant soft sculptures and paintings. The soft sculptures are created from secondhand clothing and fabric. I deconstruct the items of clothing and sew them back together, adorning them with beads, buttons, and frills. These adornments create texture and feminize the plush objects

The work I make looks funny and cute. This contrasts the subject matter driving the work because difficult content is easier and more interesting to approach when it is being made fun of. My piece titled “Bred for the Slaughter/Bride for the Slaughter” is a four-foot by five-foot chicken bride. This plush sculpture that could function as seating is comedic because of its expression, insertable egg, and floppy body. When I make pieces I want them to be both comical and unnatural. 

Bred for the Slaughter

See Sallisaw!

Scary Baby Quilt

About Shea Goodson

Shea Goodson is a multidisciplinary artist combining quilting, soft sculpture, and acrylic painting to explore themes of patriarchy and agricultural processes.

In 2024 she was recognized with the Award for Artistic Achievement and the Dionysian Award From her undergraduate institution at Rhodes College where she double majored in Studio Art and Health Equity. In July 2024, she held their first solo exhibition, showcasing work that surrounds themes such as motherhood, girlhood, factory farming, and overharvesting. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health at Rollins where she will be receiving a certificate in Maternal and Child Health.