Artist Statement. Exposure Therapy: paintings of intimate moments for public consumption. My starting point for this work is that new possibilities for pleasure, empowerment, and bodily autonomy arise when the gaze is understood as multi-directional rather than a simple delivery of oppression upon marginalized bodies. Exposure — a leaving open without defense — as part of an intentional performance creates the potential for healing. The paintings are acts of vulnerability, for me and for the figure subjects. Agency and autonomy for the subjects coexist alongside sensuality and pleasure, experienced by both the viewers and the subjects who revel in being seen.
WAYS OF SEEING, Oil on linen, 2021, 44x56 inches
CAPTIONS (NO FEAR), Oil on cradled aluminum panel, 2021, 8x10 inches. Private collection.
TUB TIME, Oil on linen, 2022, 44 x 28 inches
NEW MONUMENTS, Oil on linen, 2021, 24 X 58 inches. Private collection, Washington, DC.
PINK BIKINI, Oil on panel, 2021, 8x10 inches. Private collection.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE, Oil on linen, 2021, 18x24 inches
NIP SLIP Oil on cradled panel, 2021, 12x16 inches
PEEP SHOW, Oil on linen, 2022, 28x38 inches. Private collection.
MATERIAL GIRL, Oil on cradled wood panel, 2022, 16 x 20 inches
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Oil on cradled panel, 2021, 12x12 inches. Private collection.
RESTING PLACE, Oil on uncradled wood, 2021, 12x12 inches. Private collection.
SOLACE, Oil on cradled wood panel, 2022, 16 x 20 inches. Private collection.
Installation views & Artist Talk In Conversation with Scott Méxcal.
Image credit: Nate Gowdy
