The disquieting female characters that Eyres depicts in stark ballpoint pen, self-consciously pose for the viewer awkwardly, clumsy, vulnerable and bashful; their flaws and blemishes openly on display whether in states of undress, or contrived sexual poses. In each instance the viewer is persuaded to engage in the power games instigated in watching and being watched though the experience is never wholly satisfying. Rather, through identification with the character, one is left with a sense of fracture, conscious of ones own flaws and deficiencies. As described in theories of The Uncanny, the viewer at once experiences both the familiar and the unfamiliar resulting in a sensation of cognitive dissonance whereby one simultaneously feels empathy and revulsion.
Similarly, in her videos, Eyres often borrows from the aesthetic and artificiality of low budget television or film. The addition of a psychological intricacy results in incongruous reactions in viewers who express both repulsion and compassion towards the characters portrayed. In her video’s Eyres is the actor who subjects herself to the scrutiny of the viewer, however it is the viewers scrutiny of their own self-image that is reflected in her struggling characters; we recognise the fact that this self-image is not necessarily the same as that in which others perceive us.
The artist’s videos and drawings are equally, and sometimes grotesquely, contrived; characteristics are exaggerated and physical attributes amplified in such a manner that the viewer is surprised to be led to any truth concerning human nature. Such is the insight and honesty that Eyres reveals.
Private View: April 04, 2008, 18:30 - 20:30
Exhibition: April 04, 2008 - May 09, 2008
Gallery opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00 - 18:00
ROKEBY
37 Store Street
London, WC1E 7QF
+44 (0)20 7168 9942
+44(0)7968 027 505
beth@rokebygallery.com
www.rokebygallery.com
For more information about Erica Eyres please visit www.ericaeyres.com
No comments:
Post a Comment