Tradwife aesthetics and social media – art about image-making

by Elianne van Turennout

Tradwives on social media: so-called housewives who even make chewing gum and cornflakes from scratch. Why on earth aren’t those Western women ever like that in real life? Sometimes these tradwives travel all over the world to tell everyone how wonderful it is to stay at home with the children.

We never see them sticking their hands down a toilet bowl. The simplest and most enjoyable tasks are made as difficult as possible. How on earth do they manage that with only 24 hours in a day?

Whilst they’re building an entire social media empire, they pretend they’ve become housewives to escape ‘the system’. What remains of beliefs when they’re primarily marketed as aesthetics? How much difference is there really between a ‘boss babe’ and a ‘tradwife’, if they both earn money via TikTok?

The power of this image lies in its critical subtext. The neckline is deliberately high, whilst the body remains clearly visible. Be chaste, but don’t spend too little time on your appearance; otherwise, you’ll suddenly be accused of withholding your beauty from your husband.

This modern photo manipulation is ideal for those seeking a critique of social media culture, surrealist art exploring authenticity, or socially critical wall art. Through its combination of conceptual photography, feminist art, ‘tradwife’ aesthetics and a critique of influencer culture, it also functions as feminist fine art or an original conversation starter.

An essential piece of art for a living room, bedroom, hall, lounge, practice room or study: a space where art can serve a meaningful purpose beyond mere decoration.