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On Pins and Needles: Accessible Burlesque & the Art of Adornment Runs Through Feb. 5
THE ARTS
An exhibition that puts a unique spin on people living with disabilities and beauty is opening at GARNER Arts Center on Dec. 18.
On Pins and Needles: Accessible Burlesque & the Art of Adornment, an exhibition of works by illustrator Delilah Blue Flynn and graphic designer and knitter Magdalena Truchan will be presented by Garner Arts Center and the Global Healthy Living Foundation. The exhibit runs through Feb. 5.
On Pins and Needles aims to redefine the beauty standard with an exploration of disability, seen through the lens of the aesthetic of mid-twentieth century pin-up illustration and the capabilities of those that are categorized as disabled. The exaggerated sexuality of pin-up illustration makes it an ideal medium to explore society’s discomfort with merging stereotypical images of beauty with disability.
More than 60 million Americans have some type of disability. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how and where these folks, women especially, can be represented.
“One would not expect the forms of pin-up art and adaptive fashion to be intertwined, yet these two artists have done it with a style and grace that speaks to their distinct sensibilities,” said Jesse Heffler, director of programs and operations, GARNER Arts Center
Twenty (13×19”) ink and marker on paper illustrations highlight women with a broad-spectrum of disabilities including autism, blindness and depression.
Magdalena wondered why there are not any interesting and modern representations of disabled people in art? explains Blue Flynn. “She wanted to see women portrayed as people who are not only sexually desirable, but stylish, much like the mid-twentieth century pinups she collects. So, I chose to depict her as a modern-day pinup on wheels.”
The two quickly realized that this was an artistic expression that touched people and made an impact. Truchan and Flynn expanded upon this by creating a series that showcases those with disabilities who are not defined by limitations.
Truchan’s love and interest in fashion led her to knitting. She wanted to design one-of-a-kind stylish pieces that were adaptive for people with limited mobility. Her hand knitted wraps are Influenced by Japanese and Italian designers as well as the textiles themselves. Her wraps both utilitarian and works of art. Truchan will showcase eight hand knit wraps on hand painted, full-size mannequins designed by local artists.
Info on the exhibit
Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18th 3PM to 7PM
Gallery Hours: Saturdays, 3pm to 7pm | January 8th to February 5th (Closed Dec. 25th & Jan. 1st)
Drop in or make a timed-entry Reservation https://garnerartscenter.org/onpinsandneedles
By appointment only all other days and times for appointments contact (845) 947-7108 / info@garnerartscenter.org