Written by Michael Goldstein for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photo: Michael Goldstein
REVIEWER RATING:
4 out of 5 stars
JOCK STURGES: FANNY 1985-2015
NEW YORK, NY (October 9, 2015) Opening Reception, October 1, 2015 – It takes a village to raise a child. And, it takes a photographer to capture the transformation from child to adult through time. That’s exactly what Jock Sturges has done with his new exhibit of photographic works entitled Jock Sturges: Fanny 1985 – 2015, currently on display at the Bernarducci Meisel Gallery.
In front of the audience is an extended portrait of the gallery’s titular child Fanny, nature providing her a backdrop as well as an extended relationship, accompanying her as she grows from a striking child to a strong woman.
In many of the photographs, the natural element of choice is water, be it either the seacoast or in the shower. Here exists a peaceful embrace between the two sprits, eloping in tranquility. There is also a great emphasis on the female body, a body that remains unclothed in just about every frame. What we see here is a devotion to bravery and wisdom, her body laying itself bare to all the trials and challenges she faces on her journey of self-discovery.
By the final frame, what is showing is a full-grown Fanny, the next generation percolating inside of her. From there, she will grace this bundle of joy with the wisdom she has already acquired. Ergo, a new village raises a new child.
The eternal core within all of Sturges’ photographs is the compelling evolution of self-esteem. In all of her frames, Fanny shows no shame posing the way she does for the camera. Confidence dominates the frame and invokes power as she allows her shoulder blades, or “wings” as she calls them,” to stretch as far as they want, making for an honest exhibition.
This exhibit is on view from October 1 – November 14, 2015.
For more information about Bernarducci Meisel Gallery, visit: bernarduccigallery.com
