Unwanted Guest (2025) was inspired by Robert Eggers’ 2024 film adaptation of Nosferatu and the wave of online reactions that followed. I was struck by how many viewers romanticized the toxic relationship between Count Orlok and Ellen, motivating me to create a piece that flips the power dynamic, giving agency back to the women in my drawing.
In Nosferatu, Orlok curses Ellen during a moment of vulnerability and loneliness, claiming her as his own. Though the story is set in the 1830s, its themes of male voyeurism and obsession still feel disturbingly relevant in 2025. Society continues to normalize this behavior, dismissing women’s experiences of stalking and harassment until it’s too late. My cartoon reframes this narrative through humor and self protection – a reminder that art can challenge the male gaze and reclaim control.
In Unwanted Guest, It was important to make the drawing feel relatable to female viewers. I chose to depict two young women casually debriefing over the phone – a routine form of connection for me and my friends. The call is cut short by an uninvited guest, but in this case, it is more annoying than dangerous. The blonde girl, holding a large kitchen knife, rolls her eyes – as if to say, not this again.
Challenging the male gaze is central to my artistic practice, shifting between humor and seriousness to reflect different aspects of the female experience. Since 2024, cartoon drawing has become a larger part of my work, allowing me to explore social commentary, gender roles, and the everyday absurdities of navigating womanhood.
Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. / Medium: Copic markers on watercolor paper
