Posted September 24, 2013 in Member News
SHE New work by Lee Ann Paynter
September 27th - November 2nd
Artist Reception September 27th 6 - 9pm
Photographs featuring a headless, legless and armless female mannequin will haunt the viewer in this daring solo exhibition. Using still photography Lee Ann Paynter introduces the star of SHE, a mannequin named Rosi. Within SHE, Lee Ann invites the onlooker to confront Rosi and the demons created by gender inequality and their effect on the 'space of liminality' for the contemporary woman. Whether she is hidden behind a window, down a flight of stairs, or placed in front of a cage-like gate in a garage, Rosi's headless torso continues to stare, both engaging and challenging the viewer. A sense of discomfort is achieved through Rosi's recurring physical and contextual isolation while Paynter's dramatic use of light successfully captures the overwhelming tension of each photograph. SHE sparks feelings of female empowerment and raises awareness of the restraints women endure as a result of societal gender roles. "I want the viewer to look closely at what stands before them, make connections to themselves or to women they know, and even be infuriated by the fact that inequality still exists. It is my intent to inspire thought and dialogue, to raise awareness, and to empower women to reach beyond the beauty myth and above the glass ceiling."
The exhibition opens September 27th with an artist reception during the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop from 6-9pm. Lee Ann Paynter is bringing Rosi and inviting people to take a photograph with the mannequin, while also proclaiming their wishes for Rosi, themselves, or women in general. Lee Ann will use these wishes to guide this project in the future photographs of Rosi.
Born in Danville, Kentucky, Lee Ann Paynter spent several years in Southern California before returning home to Kentucky. She is now an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, and at KCTCS in Danville, Kentucky. Paynter received an MFA in Photography and Media from California Institute of the Arts in 2011, and the breadth of her work includes traditional and digital photography, video and installation. Her practice focuses mainly on social and political issues, and the role of the media as an agent in those perceptions.
