The Super Infinite Wardrobe

LOCATION: Visions West Contemporary - 2605 Walnut St

CATEGORY: Art Events

PAST DATE AND TIME:

• Fri, Dec 9, 2022 - Sat, Jan 21, 2023  

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Visions West Contemporary gets dressed up with a new exhibition, The Super Infinite Wardrobe, exploring fashion and clothing's role in shaping identity and culture. On view at the gallery's Denver location from December 9th to January 21st, 2023, the exhibition features the work of Shae Bishop, June Glasson, and Crystal Latimer, all of whom dedicate their practices to commemorating the untold stories existing within the framework of the American West identity. There will be an opening celebration on Friday, December 9th, 6–9pm.

Of all the myths and icons that exist in the United States, the archetype of the American cowboy may be the most prolific. It is only fitting that this outcast character, who stands at the intersection of tradition and new frontiers, provides these three artists with a stepping-stone to reimagine the cultural identity of the West. Giving substance to their vision, these three artists create an exhibition filled with new archetypal images, myths and metaphors.

After living in Wyoming for several years, stereotypical Western iconography and objects permeate June Glasson's portraiture-from subjects draped in raw animal hides to shouldering axes. Her representational portraiture of women aids her deconstruction of a singular narrative, as she depicts her subjects as commanding yet approachable, confrontational but tender, heroic and sequined. Dimensionality in Glasson's work is also gained through the artist's personal background, as someone who did not grow up in the American West, as she reflects on a collective history through the lens of an outsider.

Using the visual language of dress to inform his work, Shae Bishop creates sculptural garments from ceramic and fiber materials. The delicate quality of his materials and the intricate, ornate designs* directly conflicts with the rugged nature of cowboy hats and chaps that are often associated with masculinity. The dichotomy within his work persists beyond his aesthetic choices and further reflects how the history of fashion is simultaneously tied to oppression and subversion. Understanding the role of fashion in promoting the culture and politics of society is intrinsic to Bishop's work as he breaks down the paradoxes of archetypal American manliness.

Taking inspiration from 13th century historical paintings and early Western propaganda, Crystal Latimer uses mixed-media to recreate historical narratives that better represent feminine power. Often showing likeness to tapestry art-historically a feminine art practice- Latimer uses a combination of bold patterns, gold leaf, and fiber tassels to convey her revitalized stories of inner strength and triumph. Cowgirls, cheetahs, horses, and flowers all reappear within her work as her work evolves and expands.

(Image credit: June Glasson, 2022, Susie Wolf, mixed, media on paper, 22 x 30 inches)