Cathy Feng

Snow White

The relationship between the stepmother and Snow White is reimagined in this illustration, shifting from competition to connection. The magic mirror symbolizes the over-interpretation and evaluation of women's looks, constantly reflecting filtered images and distorted standards of perfection. Thus, the stepmother is not inherently evil, but rather a woman consumed by beauty anxiety and the constant pressure to pursue unattainable societal ideals. When the mirror finally breaks under the weight of these expectations, Snow White's former rival embraces her stepmother through the shattered glass, this time not as the “more beautiful” antagonist, but as a similarly traumatized girl who chooses to understand and empathize. This version teaches children that self-worth is not defined by appearances, nor should it be based on the power over others.