Discover and grow your audience with the checklists in our free guide.
The email you entered is invalid.
Thank you for subscribing.
By entering your email, you indicate that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and agree to receive marketing from Squarespace.
Artist Samantha Rothenberg, known to her Instagram followers as Violet Clair, recently launched a new art exhibit in New York City inspired by the misadventures of singles looking for love. In her show, ‘Better Off Alone,’ she explores the multitude of difficult feelings associated with dating while still making sure her audience feels “seen.” We sat down with the artist to learn a bit more about how she went about putting together this particular exhibition.
Squarespace: Your new art exhibit, “Better Off Alone,” opens this week. What was the inspiration for the show?
Samantha Rothenberg: When approached with the opportunity to create an exhibition of my art around, I knew I would want to showcase my dating-themed comics, and what better time of year to do that than Valentine’s Day? Because so much of my work depicts the more difficult side of modern romance, I thought an anti-Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day show would be ideal.
SQSP: Your show is billed as “Anti-Valentine’s Day.” Have you always disliked this day?
SR: I dislike the narrow interpretation of it, I think there should be more to it than just a day to celebrate if you happen to be in a relationship. It should be a day to celebrate love and friendship in general - and luckily in the last few years, with the advent of ‘Galentine’s Day,’ etc. I think that’s beginning to happen.
SQSP: How has your Instagram series, “Screenshots with Psychopaths and Other Stories,” evolved since you first launched it?
SR: When I first launched it, my focus was on telling the stories from the very worst and most offensive submissions I received (hence ‘psychopaths’). But as it evolved, it became a way to tell stories and start conversations about interactions that aren’t so clear cut/one-sided. I now choose to also share stories that fall into a more ‘grey area’ as the debates that ensue can be very interesting. It’s also why I’ve retitled it ‘Screenshot Stories’.
SQSP: Many of the pieces on your website and your Instagram channel depict some brutally honest dating stories. How do you find so many stories to share?
SR: I get a TON of submissions!
SQSP: Your audience is definitely not afraid of sharing how they feel with you. How do you feel about engaging with them online?
SR: I absolutely love it and couldn’t be happier with the community that has formed around my work.
SQSP: What do you want your audience to feel when they see your artwork online or in person?
SR: I hope it makes them feel ‘seen’.
SQSP: What’s your ideal way to spend Valentine’s Day?
SR: Whether I’m single or in a relationship, I prefer something low key - something like orange wine, falafel take out, and a con artist documentary sounds pretty ideal to me.