exhibition: February 3 to March 17, 2012
opening reception: Friday, February 3, from 7 to 10pm
and join us for another First Friday reception: March 2, from 7 to 10pm
panel discussion with the artists and curator: Sunday, March 11, 2pm
The curator and all artists will be present, admission free, with bake sale to benefit Works/San José
Femme Fatale is a seductive and haunting exhibition exploring the complexities of femininity. Featuring the work of Bay Area artists Jody Alexander, Connie Begg, Victoria May, Stephanie Metz, and Sylvia Min, Femme Fatale is both a subtle homage and commentary of domesticity, social constructs, and the feminine experience.
Jody Alexander references domesticity and “values” through an installation of found objects carefully wrapped in fabric. Fascinated by history and feminine iconography, Connie Begg illuminates the tension of capturing a frightening yet beautiful object through historical photographic processes. Victoria May’s organza and steel based forms reflect her interest in domesticity, tension, and dichotomy, and allude to the fundamental struggles inherent in the human condition. Utilizing wool fibers and textiles, Stephanie Metz attempts to “distill the essence of a creature” and acknowledges our mammalian roots in her mysterious sculptures. Emphasizing light and shadow, Sylvia Min examines the iconic image of the bride through her paintings.
The artwork, while diverse in form, resonates with overlapping proclivities towards detail, concept, and tone. Monochromatic sculptures, installations, paintings, and photographs seduce and disturb through layers of inherent tensions, enigmatic contrasts, and meticulous handwork.
Femme Fatale is curated by Sylvia Min.