The Self & Beyond
Kiki Smith, Dana Major Kanovitz, Monica Cook, Melanie Bilenker
September 4 - October 31
The Wexler Gallery Philadelphia, PA
Wexler Gallery is proud to present The Self & Beyond, a group show curated by Sienna Freeman, Associate Director of the Wexler Gallery. The exhibition explores the idea of self as experienced through the body- an organic and temporary vessel in which the psyche is housed during life. Featured artists include Kiki Smith, Dana Major Kanovitz, Monica Cook and Melanie Bilenker. The exhibition will run from September 4th through October 31st, 2009. An opening reception will take place on First Friday, September 4th, from 5 – 8pm.
Working in a variety of mediums, these four artists explore the idea of self as dualistic in nature: internal and external, physical and spiritual, private and public, cognizant and unaware. Linked by a common desire to investigate the territories between these places, each creates work that often mirrors their own physical likeness while examining wider issues concerning identity, mortality, sexuality, and human nature.
Drawing on theories of embodiment from the fields of psychology, sociology, and philosophy, the exhibition also considers the idea of self in relation to the theme of “the double,” a subconscious representation of one’s ego. Often associated with the uncanny, “a form of terror that leads back to something long known to us, once very familiar," the double has been referenced throughout history in literature and art, assuming various forms including shadow, reflection, mirror, and twin.
Self & Beyond Press:
The Philadelphia Inquirer, “Girls 4 Girls,” by Edith Newhall, Published October 18, 2009
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ICON Magazine,Ppage 13, October 2009 Issue
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Philadelphia Weekly, “Create Escape,” by Roberta Fallon, Published September, 30, 2009
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Philadelphia Citypaper, “First Friday Focus,” by Lori Hill, Published: Sep 1, 2009
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