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EVENT DESCRIPTION
WOAW Gallery is thrilled to present “MAIN CHARACTER”, an immersive exhibition curated by Lisa Boudet. This unique showcase, featuring works by 12 contemporary international artists, propels visitors into a cinematic journey. The gallery is covered from top to bottom in grand red curtains – akin to a performance stage, the space invites viewers to wonder if we are actors about to come onto the stage, or if we are audiences waiting for the curtains to unfold and the show to begin.
Among the featured artists are Lucie Antoinette, Claudio Coltorti, Emily Furr, Edward Givis, Evgen Čopi Gorišek, Jacob Littlejohn, Luke O’Halloran, Nathan Ritterpusch, Meghann Stephenson, Yongqi Tang, Angela Fang Zirbes, and Caroline Zurmely.
Focusing on different subjects, each artist offers a distinct perspective on the concept of what it means to have “main character energy” – the belief in oneself as the central figure of one’s narrative. The gallery’s dramatic transformation is inspired by the renowned American filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his aesthetically captivating and enigmatic films. The exhibition metamorphoses the gallery into a scene reminiscent of Lynch’s iconic work Twin Peaks (1990-1991), specifically the surreal “Red Room” scene where the boundaries between reality and the subconscious dissolve. This ambiguous space invites viewers on an introspective journey – against a backdrop of red curtains, visitors are forced to wonder if we are the protagonists performing on stage, or are we simply spectators in someone else’s story.
There are many ways in which main characters define themselves in their narratives, such as standingout through their independence and their choices. In his work smoking cigar (2024), American artist Edward Givis pays tribute to iconic American actor Jack Nicholson, who is known for roles that encapsulate the sense of freedom and individuality associated with main characters. For instance, Nicholson’s role as Randle McMurphy in the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) challenges the control and authority of the mental institution with his lively and rebellious attitude. Despite the efforts of the ward, he continues to rebel against the head nurse, even inspiring and encouraging his fellow patients to fight against oppressive control. Despite his circumstances, Nicholson’s character chose to defy societal norms, and instead strived to live life in his own way. smoking cigar did not illustrate his entire face, yet Nicholson is still recognisable in Givis’s painting – a testament to the actor’s unique charm and iconic roles.
However in many stories, female characters are often reduced to one-dimensional figures, simply seen as accessories, sidekicks, love interests, or scapegoats in other people’s tales. American artist Meghann Stephenson, an artist who focuses on the subtle elements and gentle details to interpret gender and girlhood, drawing on mythological and religious stories of women to place them as the focus of the story. Her work, The Only Living Girl (2024), features an elegant female arm holding a bright red pomegranate, inspired by various mythological and religious stories of women The fruit is most symbolic of the Greek myth of Persephone, where Stephenson’s focus on the pomegranate gives autonomy to the goddess. Her work is reflective of female narratives throughout history – in cinema, we see the classic trope of female characters holding the burden of blame with a false sense of agency. Women often become a caricature of temptation, a one-dimensional catalyst for the journey of a man, a background character to be only remembered by their one mistake. By illustrating the pomegranate, Stephenson challenges the historical narrative by giving autonomy to Persephone’s decision to consume the fruit, allowing the goddess to take control of her own destiny.
Through their art, these artists capture the essence of confidence, charisma, and self- assuredness akin to the main characters in famous stories, challenging viewers to reconsider their roles in shaping their destinies. As “MAIN CHARACTER” disrupts conventional narratives, it prompts a profound reflection: can we seize control of our own stories, or are we destined to be mere passengers in the tales of others?
Details
- Start:
- 30 July 2024
- End:
- 24 August 2024
- Admission:
- Free
- Event Category:
- Painting