Mia Sky Cooper’s AUTONOMY is a series of 8 miniature oil paintings that depict some of the steps taken back to living an autonomous life after leaving an abusive relationship. From building support networks to therapy sessions, these paintings act as windows into real moments from the artist’s life. Previously prohibited activities, such as expressing her alternative sense of style, are now safe to enjoy. Realism painting on such a small scale requires an intense level of attention, an intimate understanding of each detail. To be fully experienced by a viewer requires a similarly intimate moment between themselves and the artwork, an autonomous decision that is theirs to make. AUTONOMY is hand written across the work, which feels like a protest against the life that she had been forced to live – the artist is taking the power back into her own hands. There is a harsh juxtaposition between the dark subject matter and the comic relief brought to the pieces by her childhood teddy, Kermit. Cooper says: “Kermit held my hand through most of my first experiences. I felt it was important to have him by my side as I learn to live freely once again”. There is a sense of hope that is captured; one that may encourage other victims that autonomy is worth fighting for.