Wallflowers

‘Wallflowers’ uses emblematic imagery and humour to challenge the rigid constraints of gender norms. Each collage disrupts the traditional narrative that a woman’s role is limited to wife, mother, homemaker, or passive object of desire.

By recombining vintage materials from the late 1800s to the 1970s, the series suggests strength, independence, and the ability to be complete within oneself. At the same time, it acknowledges the ongoing tensions around household labour, parental obligations, and power dynamics in the pursuit of gender equality.

Danielle Cole is a Toronto based artist who creates playful collages through an assembly of original vintage graphics. Her work often explores the absurdity of domestic roles and the need for material goods. Her art has been featured in numerous publications, including editorial work in Today’s Parent, feature articles in Kolaj magazine, Toronto Life and CBC Arts. Her pieces have also been acquired by the Kanyer Collection, an archive focused exclusively on collage. Danielle has collaborated with local youth through the Toronto History Museum’s program, creating site-specific art displayed at the Mackenzie House Museum. She has had several local and international opportunities, including public art displays on TTC, utility boxes, and a large hoarding for a townhouse development. Her work has been shown internationally in Sanquhar, Scotland, Birr, Ireland, and the Knoxville Museum of Modern Art. Danielle’s art has found homes across the globe, including in New Zealand, LA, San Francisco, Scotland, and Halifax.