Show Title: existing inside myself
by Leigh Hugenberg

This series of acrylic paintings on panel focuses on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a mental health condition where a person obsesses over perceived flaws in their appearance. This condition can cause significant distress and difficulty functioning in daily life, and is often associated with eating disorders. The artist shares their personal experience of the illness through their artwork, and uses glimpses avoided and caught in reflective surfaces to highlight self-perceived distortions. Through their work, the artist aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of the issue of body dysmorphia.

Leigh Hugenberg is an artist and illustrator locally based out of Elgin, Illinois. She earned her BFA in drawing and printmaking and BS in art education from Illinois State University. In addition to keeping up with a broad artistic practice, she has worked as an art teacher, camp arts program director, and freelance illustrator.

Currently, she works for the Explore Elgin Area, a local company that encourages local tourism, and is a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras. She is also a teaching artist for the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) program. When she’s not filling up her sketchbook, you can find her reading graphic novels, running along the Fox River, or dreaming up new recipes to bake.

Sales/Contact Information

leigh.hugenberg@gmail.com (business inquiries only)

hugenberg.wixsite.com/leigh-hugenberg

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