Magdalene

2025

Photogravure on paper

10 × 12 in

Plaster cast, mulch, found plastics

5 × 6 ft

Photographic documentation of performance

Set of two digital files, 10 × 12 in prints

For Vollbrecht’s exhibition piece, the artist took photographs of a full plaster sculpture of her body and videotaped herself deconstructing the cast. Vollbrecht said she wanted to show a contrast between revering female sexuality and mischaracterizing it as prostitution or temptation.

“I wanted to make a piece … about these two opposing views of female sexuality in America,” Vollbrecht said. “My interest is in communicating the tension of these two.”

Additionally, she said the contact-and-pressure system in printmaking relates to broader concepts, such as forming relationships and experiencing economic or social pressure.

“When you’re entering or exiting a space, that’s where a lot of the anxiety in your body will be felt,” Vollbrecht said. “That’s when your mind’s working at this, trying to process all the things that you need to in order to be in the space you’re in.

- Medha Sarin for The Daily Texan,

  December 5, 2025