Robyn Magowan
dal 14/6/2007 al 22/6/2007
Segnalato da
14/6/2007
Robyn Magowan
The Premises Gallery, Johannesburg
Masquerade is explained by these 20th Century commentators as a woman's performance of herself to fulfill a man's expectations and a psychological defense against punishment she might receive for not doing so.
Robyn Magowan
Social Masquerade
Masquerade is explained by these 20th Century commentators as a woman's performance
of herself to fulfill a man's expectations and a psychological defense against
punishment she might receive for not doing so. The notion of social masquerade as a
means of disguise, allows a battered wife to publicly perform the traditionalist
fantasy of living 'happily-ever-after although in her private life, the opposite is
true.
In these works, I address the failure of masquerade to avert battery in the private
domain. Taking into consideration information gathered from interviews with battered
women, I have explored the use of clothing, accessories, and pastimes as a means to
convey what I perceive as the physical and emotional damage perpetrated by men who
batter their wives. Domestic crafts are used as a fine art medium because they were
historically associated with the containment and management of women. The works thus
aim to express through medium and visual effect, the psychological experience and
physical effect of battery on women. In this way I hope to raise awareness of the
prevalence of wife battery in our society, which so often goes unreported and is
shrouded in secrecy and shame for the victim.
Opening Saturday 16 June – 5-7pm
The Premises Gallery
Braamfontein Theatre Precinct, Johannesburg Civic Theatre complex - Johannesburg