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Illustrator Perfectly Captures The Beauty Of Single Life
Mexico-based artist Idalia Candelas draws women who are content to be alone. Using pencil, ink, and watercolor, “Postmodern Loneliness” is a series that celebrates being single. Candelas says she was inspired by her time living alone in Mexico City.
“The theme of the loneliness has been recurring in my drawings,” Candelas told Mic. “I like to show women who exist in solitude but do not suffer. They are not depressed or crying. Rather [they] are safe, exalting in the sense of enjoying the company of just herself.”
More info: Facebook | Instagram (h/t: mic)
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What do you think ?
AshleighJohnson 9 years ago
My thoughts exactly! Sure, underwear are comfortable to hang around in, but I live in an area of the world where it snows 4-6 months of the year. These pictures wouldn't be interesting in the least if the female had her hair in a bun and was wearing flannel pajamas. Ooof.
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AlecsandraTudor 9 years ago
You don't have to be single to do this things. I'm in a relationship and I do all these and many more! ;-) It's about feeling comfortable!
MikeyReynolds 9 years ago
I agree. What this has to do with being single I have no idea. I guess it's cool though to hate on love and be antisocial.
Load More Replies...
AliceDouel 9 years ago
Yeah because whilst single I read my kindle semi naked, contorted and upside down whilst precariously footing large framed pictures situated above my head. And take my top off at the sink, because single life is all about being in various states of undress, except when sitting normally on the sofa in high heels. I'm all for plugging artists, but at least include some meaningful content if the drawings are otherwise sub standard.
CarolMiller 9 years ago
I'm curious as to why the artist thinks we hang out in our underpants so much....
ValerieMarcotte 9 years ago
I don't care for this series for 2 reasons. The title has the word Loneliness, which is a longing feeling and not a comfortable one. I think Candelas does not understand the difference between solitude and loneliness. Secondly, these women are shown doing nothing, except standing or lying around. I am single and comfortable with being alone, yet I am usually found playing the piano or the harp, or out in the garden, or going to a restaurant or movie alone.
MelodyKloefkorn 9 years ago
Yeah, this should just be called "Hanging Out at Home in Your Underwear". That's as deep as these drawings get.
Load More Replies...
AntoniaCostea 9 years ago
that's not how a single's life looks like.. the house should be dirtier and with more hair and clothes laying around..
LenaWagenfuehr 9 years ago
why is she in a state of undress in every picture but one? I don't spend my time alone posing in my underwear
LynetteFoxen 9 years ago
Also, I think there may be a translation mistake in using the word loneliness rather than aloneness. "Aloneness is presence, fullness, aliveness, joy of being, overflowing love. You are complete. Nobody is needed, you are enough. Love makes you complete. In true relationships you share with each other, not out of need, rather from your overflowing energy."
AuraAlexandra 9 years ago
Though it's an empowering message, I don't think it is properly illustrated. Being comfortable single doesn't really mean sitting in various rooms in your underwear, it's so much more. I feel like it's missing something. Why isn't there any image outside the house?
Hanna 9 years ago
Wow... how creative (not) . I had no idea single women washed their hair . Was the smoking part really necessary? I'm single and these pictures are not exactly what I do. I'm busy. No time to read lying upside-down or sitting around on the sofa looking bored. I have a full time job that often requires over-time and a dog that wants taking care of.....No at all sure what this artist was trying to achieve.
CathyWheatley 9 years ago
So whys it called postmodern loneliness if it's not supposed to be depressing and looks like we laze around half naked looking bored!
KellytaSilva 9 years ago
Im a single woman, I do all of this with or without underwear because is confortable, not thinking if is sexy o something like that, just confort. Relax people... -.-
HeidiFancher 9 years ago
I am single and loving it! I don't need to be in a relationship to fulfill my life which I believe is the point here. Had my share of relationships including marriage and have a beautiful daughter. People who analyze and scrutinize this concept are simply not getting it.
D.M.Mitchell 9 years ago
It works for men, too, if they haven't been brainwashed into thinking they need a woman to cook and clean for them. I'm talking about grown up, logical, mentally healthy men.
AkireTuazon 9 years ago
What about the ones who like wearing t-shirts and sweat pants?? Give them justice too. :)
JerieRagsac 9 years ago
'PERFECTLY"? First of all, it's not that perfect an illustration. Secondly, Im a bachelor and contented and even if I imagine the pics with a male model, I don't think that's how my perfect single life is happening.
MelodyKloefkorn 9 years ago
I do this now NOT single. So I get to walk around naked doing whatever I want AND have consistent sex with my best friend whenever I want...
AnnaKravchenko 9 years ago
I'm not single yet I do these every day anyway. I don't see why that wouldn't be possible in a relationship.
MonikaGrzesik 9 years ago
I am not single and have the same..You know, You singles- when You are in relationship (and live with that person) You still have some time alone with yourself and even if not You still can be comfortable ;) I am not saying being single is wrong or sad :)
Jenn F 2 years ago
This actually captures the spirit of single women who love living alone. I purchased the book and the writing with illustrations is amazing. I've definitely been in relationships and lived with partners before. I did these things but it truly does have a different vibe, different spirit, different energy in a space you share with no one. A space in which every single item is all you, all yours, all a reflection of you...no one else. Time, space, everything in the environment, the home is just you and your's alone. It is absolutely a different feel. These women are not lonely, not bored, nothng is missing or feels empty. If you've never had years of that fantastic existence by choice, you wouldn't really get it. I can tell by the comments...many don't. I felt so SEEN in this beautiful book. I've had a partner for 7 years and still choose to live alone. It is liberating. Powerful experience. Powerful book.
Lois FS 5 years ago
Ermm.. sure we lounge around in underwear in sexy cat poses!?? PJs, noodle stained jumper, holey bed socks, double chin, blanket, watching Netflix, stuffing our faces with Pringles whilst being industrially anchored by cat whilst spitting cat hair out our mouth. Not crying. Not depressed. But comfortable and not feeling the need to be elegant and sexy, just human beings not on show.
Donna Reynolds 5 years ago
I stick my feet on the wall all the time. It’s good for you and I think my legs are better for it. Btw, I’m 66.
Karin Morris 5 years ago
Yea this was pretty stupid. What does being single and the joys of it have anything to do with not wearing pants in the kitchen. You can do that as a couple too. I would say, it's eating a sandwich at 8pm instead of cooking a full meal, it's going anywhere I want without having to ask or tell anyone. It's the ability to buy whatever I want, move whereever I want and not answer to anyone.
Sirieht -Studio 5 years ago
I'm married and... this is me all the time. I don't think being single has much to do with it, haha
Steve Lawson 9 years ago
I think you are confusing the word "lonely" with "being alone". If these are "women who exist in solitude but do not suffer," then they aren't lonely.
LaurensPilger 9 years ago
I am very comfortable doing anything in the house with my girlfriend around - yes, that includes whole days of staying inside half-naked watching movies with my legs on the headrest of the sofa. If you need to be alone to do this, your relationship is not worth much.
IgorVrdzovski 9 years ago
that's exactly right the single players live :P i prefer multiplayer game :D "PLAYER 2 just Sign in" - i have on mind
KristinaSmead 9 years ago
Think im naked now more around the house being in a relationship then being single
AleksandraKnapik 9 years ago
this used to be my beautiful life... I kinda miss it , although when I had that life I wanted to have a family -- if only it was possible to jump into my previous life only for a while...
MarisaLeeder 9 years ago
These are wonderful illustrations! Great mood and love the simplicity. Love seeing women being comfortable with themselves.
WayneTurner 9 years ago
Amazing the number of commenters here who seem to have treated these somewhat whimsical drawings as some sort of documentary.
NigelBrown 9 years ago
If a girl is straight and looked like her I guarantee she wouldn't be leading the single life for very li Long
lemsip 9 years ago
It's showing somebody who is single and rich enough to afford to live alone in a flat or house and to put the heating up high in the middle of winter and if in a relationship would be a trophy wife or girlfriend dressed up to the nines all the time even when sitting at home or doing housework. Morale of the story is not to stay single but don't be a trophy wife or girlfriend.
RafaelAraque 9 years ago
Or Its just better to be alone than to date a traditional Mexican guy, because you wouldn't be able to do those things. Thats they way I saw it
RafaelAraque 9 years ago
Or, its better to be single than to date a traditional Mexican guy. Thats the way I saw it
AshleighJohnson 9 years ago
My thoughts exactly! Sure, underwear are comfortable to hang around in, but I live in an area of the world where it snows 4-6 months of the year. These pictures wouldn't be interesting in the least if the female had her hair in a bun and was wearing flannel pajamas. Ooof.
Load More Replies... AlecsandraTudor 9 years ago
You don't have to be single to do this things. I'm in a relationship and I do all these and many more! ;-) It's about feeling comfortable!
MikeyReynolds 9 years ago
I agree. What this has to do with being single I have no idea. I guess it's cool though to hate on love and be antisocial.
Load More Replies... AliceDouel 9 years ago
Yeah because whilst single I read my kindle semi naked, contorted and upside down whilst precariously footing large framed pictures situated above my head. And take my top off at the sink, because single life is all about being in various states of undress, except when sitting normally on the sofa in high heels. I'm all for plugging artists, but at least include some meaningful content if the drawings are otherwise sub standard.
CarolMiller 9 years ago
I'm curious as to why the artist thinks we hang out in our underpants so much....
ValerieMarcotte 9 years ago
I don't care for this series for 2 reasons. The title has the word Loneliness, which is a longing feeling and not a comfortable one. I think Candelas does not understand the difference between solitude and loneliness. Secondly, these women are shown doing nothing, except standing or lying around. I am single and comfortable with being alone, yet I am usually found playing the piano or the harp, or out in the garden, or going to a restaurant or movie alone.
MelodyKloefkorn 9 years ago
Yeah, this should just be called "Hanging Out at Home in Your Underwear". That's as deep as these drawings get.
Load More Replies... AntoniaCostea 9 years ago
that's not how a single's life looks like.. the house should be dirtier and with more hair and clothes laying around..
LenaWagenfuehr 9 years ago
why is she in a state of undress in every picture but one? I don't spend my time alone posing in my underwear
LynetteFoxen 9 years ago
Also, I think there may be a translation mistake in using the word loneliness rather than aloneness. "Aloneness is presence, fullness, aliveness, joy of being, overflowing love. You are complete. Nobody is needed, you are enough. Love makes you complete. In true relationships you share with each other, not out of need, rather from your overflowing energy."
AuraAlexandra 9 years ago
Though it's an empowering message, I don't think it is properly illustrated. Being comfortable single doesn't really mean sitting in various rooms in your underwear, it's so much more. I feel like it's missing something. Why isn't there any image outside the house?
Hanna 9 years ago
Wow... how creative (not) . I had no idea single women washed their hair . Was the smoking part really necessary? I'm single and these pictures are not exactly what I do. I'm busy. No time to read lying upside-down or sitting around on the sofa looking bored. I have a full time job that often requires over-time and a dog that wants taking care of.....No at all sure what this artist was trying to achieve.
CathyWheatley 9 years ago
So whys it called postmodern loneliness if it's not supposed to be depressing and looks like we laze around half naked looking bored!
KellytaSilva 9 years ago
Im a single woman, I do all of this with or without underwear because is confortable, not thinking if is sexy o something like that, just confort. Relax people... -.-
HeidiFancher 9 years ago
I am single and loving it! I don't need to be in a relationship to fulfill my life which I believe is the point here. Had my share of relationships including marriage and have a beautiful daughter. People who analyze and scrutinize this concept are simply not getting it.
D.M.Mitchell 9 years ago
It works for men, too, if they haven't been brainwashed into thinking they need a woman to cook and clean for them. I'm talking about grown up, logical, mentally healthy men.
AkireTuazon 9 years ago
What about the ones who like wearing t-shirts and sweat pants?? Give them justice too. :)
JerieRagsac 9 years ago
'PERFECTLY"? First of all, it's not that perfect an illustration. Secondly, Im a bachelor and contented and even if I imagine the pics with a male model, I don't think that's how my perfect single life is happening.
MelodyKloefkorn 9 years ago
I do this now NOT single. So I get to walk around naked doing whatever I want AND have consistent sex with my best friend whenever I want...
AnnaKravchenko 9 years ago
I'm not single yet I do these every day anyway. I don't see why that wouldn't be possible in a relationship.
MonikaGrzesik 9 years ago
I am not single and have the same..You know, You singles- when You are in relationship (and live with that person) You still have some time alone with yourself and even if not You still can be comfortable ;) I am not saying being single is wrong or sad :)
Jenn F 2 years ago
This actually captures the spirit of single women who love living alone. I purchased the book and the writing with illustrations is amazing. I've definitely been in relationships and lived with partners before. I did these things but it truly does have a different vibe, different spirit, different energy in a space you share with no one. A space in which every single item is all you, all yours, all a reflection of you...no one else. Time, space, everything in the environment, the home is just you and your's alone. It is absolutely a different feel. These women are not lonely, not bored, nothng is missing or feels empty. If you've never had years of that fantastic existence by choice, you wouldn't really get it. I can tell by the comments...many don't. I felt so SEEN in this beautiful book. I've had a partner for 7 years and still choose to live alone. It is liberating. Powerful experience. Powerful book.
Lois FS 5 years ago
Ermm.. sure we lounge around in underwear in sexy cat poses!?? PJs, noodle stained jumper, holey bed socks, double chin, blanket, watching Netflix, stuffing our faces with Pringles whilst being industrially anchored by cat whilst spitting cat hair out our mouth. Not crying. Not depressed. But comfortable and not feeling the need to be elegant and sexy, just human beings not on show.
Donna Reynolds 5 years ago
I stick my feet on the wall all the time. It’s good for you and I think my legs are better for it. Btw, I’m 66.
Karin Morris 5 years ago
Yea this was pretty stupid. What does being single and the joys of it have anything to do with not wearing pants in the kitchen. You can do that as a couple too. I would say, it's eating a sandwich at 8pm instead of cooking a full meal, it's going anywhere I want without having to ask or tell anyone. It's the ability to buy whatever I want, move whereever I want and not answer to anyone.
Sirieht -Studio 5 years ago
I'm married and... this is me all the time. I don't think being single has much to do with it, haha
Steve Lawson 9 years ago
I think you are confusing the word "lonely" with "being alone". If these are "women who exist in solitude but do not suffer," then they aren't lonely.
LaurensPilger 9 years ago
I am very comfortable doing anything in the house with my girlfriend around - yes, that includes whole days of staying inside half-naked watching movies with my legs on the headrest of the sofa. If you need to be alone to do this, your relationship is not worth much.
IgorVrdzovski 9 years ago
that's exactly right the single players live :P i prefer multiplayer game :D "PLAYER 2 just Sign in" - i have on mind
KristinaSmead 9 years ago
Think im naked now more around the house being in a relationship then being single
AleksandraKnapik 9 years ago
this used to be my beautiful life... I kinda miss it , although when I had that life I wanted to have a family -- if only it was possible to jump into my previous life only for a while...
MarisaLeeder 9 years ago
These are wonderful illustrations! Great mood and love the simplicity. Love seeing women being comfortable with themselves.
WayneTurner 9 years ago
Amazing the number of commenters here who seem to have treated these somewhat whimsical drawings as some sort of documentary.
NigelBrown 9 years ago
If a girl is straight and looked like her I guarantee she wouldn't be leading the single life for very li Long
lemsip 9 years ago
It's showing somebody who is single and rich enough to afford to live alone in a flat or house and to put the heating up high in the middle of winter and if in a relationship would be a trophy wife or girlfriend dressed up to the nines all the time even when sitting at home or doing housework. Morale of the story is not to stay single but don't be a trophy wife or girlfriend.
RafaelAraque 9 years ago
Or Its just better to be alone than to date a traditional Mexican guy, because you wouldn't be able to do those things. Thats they way I saw it
RafaelAraque 9 years ago
Or, its better to be single than to date a traditional Mexican guy. Thats the way I saw it
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