GALLERY | $5-10 SUGGESTED DONATION | ALL AGES | Join us for the opening of solo show, Virgin Whore, by Amanda Jacquez.
Virgin Whore is an exploration of the aesthetics of "cuteness" and how “cute” is applied in context of gender and sexuality. The duality of the words "virgin" & "whore" are questioned through a system of narrative devices and animal symbols that trace the creation of a personal mythology loaded with the history of her experiences as a Mexican American woman. Cute and cuddly plush toys are actively re-claiming feminine tropes presented in children's media, particularly the “Disney-fication" of small baby animals -prey- and female characters as non- threatening and submissive. Giant insects and other animals are either reclaimed or constructed with lush fabrics and styled with spiked heels. They have their own agency and sexuality, they subvert their expectation as objects of comfort while retaining the seductiveness of touch for the viewer. Petunia the spider is the creative and matriarchal force. Her creations sit in the gallery as a domestic yet surrealistic place. Like the artist this is her temple, her dream, her world. She is driven by the desire to protect and empower and create. Her web is cast among the space and her creations, her babies are hung in ways that reflect a love bondage dynamic, coveted, loved, protected but ultimately confined in a psychological space.
Last day to view Virgin Whore will be Sunday, September 29th, 2024.
This event will be indoors.