In Pieces By Marion Fayolle: An Analysis

When it comes to self-fulfillment, love is no panacea. Artist Marion Fayolle in her book In Pieces correctly argues that while a relationship can be supportive, it cannot satisfy a person completely. Drawing #5 depicts couples trying to fly without success whereas the single people fly high in the sky. Flying symbolizes self-actualization and identity but the couples who have not yet found independence struggle to find fulfillment. Writer Betty Friedan and love psychologist Esther Perel would agree that some relationships cannot fulfill all of one’s desires. A historical example of people unable to find fulfillment from relationships is found in the feminist book The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. American society in the mid-twentieth century expected white, middle class women to be satisfied with marriage and child-rearing. However, these women were discontent with relinquishing their talent and education to keep house. A marriage did not give them the identity and freedom they desperately wanted--only through working and accomplishing goals with their own power and

When that person rejects or cheats on onne, that blow to self-worth can be devastating—essentially, one is not good enough for the other. After a betrayal of that nature, discovering one’s identity is an adventure for one person—now knowing that one person cannot possibly fulfill another. After that independent journey is complete, one will have found themself and the liberty that accompanies that knowledge. Therefore, the singles flying the air are the ones who have found fulfillment in themselves. The couples struggling on the ground also need to partake on that journey before they too can fly. Relationships will not cure insecurities and doubts as many people believe. Rather as Foyelle and Perel would agree, being alone is the first step to understanding one’s true