Exhibit: Fierce Women
\nArtist: Kath erine Strause
\nThe only way to deal with an unfree world is to beco me so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.--Ca mus
\nI want to believe that women are in charge. \; I enjoy wat ching women take control in subversive and playful ways. \; My paintin gs contain the spirit of the rebellion. \; The figures are on a missio n of change\; they lack inhibitions\, are confident\, and have hope for th e future. \; They are in full possession of themselves\, in charge of their space\, bodies\, feelings\, and actions. \; They will not sit do wn and be quiet.
\nThe works begin with found photographs of women.& nbsp\; The subjects are experiencing a moment of clarity and complete inde pendence. \; I look for a quality of liberty in the attitude of the si tter. \; They shake off constraints and stare the viewer down.
\nNaturally I was drawn to images of cowgirls\, outlaws\, and ranch women.& nbsp\; Daughters of pioneer ranchers grew up riding and roping along with their brothers because on small ranches\, everyone helped with the cattle. \; At the heart of cowgirl culture lies a spirit of independence\, re silience\, and adventure. \; These strong women of the Wild West were often the backbone of their communities\, demonstrating courage\, resource fulness\, and an unyielding sense of self.
\nThe images have a magic al appeal and are reminiscent of artists such as Grant Wood\, Carroll Cloa r\, Pierre Bonnard\, and Alice Neel. \; Layering saturated color with brushstrokes and wet-on-wet application increases the vibration and visual play of the work. \; This focus on the expressive application of pain t and extravagant use of color transforms the black-and white snapshots in to dynamic\, energetic paintings.
\nThe work is not purely documenta ry or nostalgic. \; Using old photos of unknown sitters gives us a lin k to our collective past and brings a feeling of comfort and belonging.&nb sp\; These figures represent us all and guide us in overcoming struggle.&n bsp\; This work addresses the idea of transcendence\, hope\, and transform ation. \; They demonstrate courage and strength. \; They are about women\, now and then\, who are breaking free and energetically strutting their way past any limitations.
\nhttps://lamanlibrary.libnet.info/even t/10260098 URL;VALUE=URI:https://lamanlibrary.libnet.info/event/10260098 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/lamanlibrary/Image_1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR