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Performance based paintings by Ana Teresa Fernandez

Exploring the physical, emotional and psychological boundaries and stereotypes imposed on women and their sexuality.

Ablution

  Untitled (Performance documentation)  Oil on canvas

"Ablution is a series of paintings that derive from performances that submerge the body into specific sites, addressing rituals of cleansing and maintenance, focusing on gender, labor, sexuality and race." 

Telarana

 Untitled (Performance documentation)   Oil on canvas 

Ana Teresa's first paintings in the body of work titled "Telarana" were of women dressed in Tango attire, performing cleaning activities or domestic chores in private and public spaces. As in Tango, the women duel with their partner — the environment.

  Tang

 Untitled (Performance documentation)  Oil on canvas

Her attempt to use the body as a symbolic and measuring device for exploration that pushes and pulls the space to its limits, activating it until one feels it pushing back. This dance references the battle between media and predetermined gender notions and expectations, versus instinctual desires and self-empowerment.

 Untitled (Performance documentation at San Diego/Tijuana border )

Ana Teresa's work investigates how women identify their strengths and sensuality in performing labor in which there is no visible economic or social value, and which is frequently considered “dirty.” She also subverts the typical overtly folkloric representations of Mexican women in paintings by changing her characters uniform to the quintessential little black dress. Wearing this symbol of American prosperity and femininity, the figure tangos through this intangible dilemma portrayed by a multiplication of self and the endless and futile task of cleaning the environment to accentuate the idea of disposable labor resources.  

You can see more of Ana Teresa Fernandez' work by visiting her website here

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Paintings by Nina Nolte

Forever and a day.  2011   Acrylic on Canvas

German painter Nina Nolte was born in 1957 in El Salvador, grew up in Spain and Germany and lives and works now in Dusseldorf, Germany.  Her works manifest a great understanding for the reflection of light, the freeness of spirit in realism, and pure colour.  Her lines are soft and organic, complemented by the natural-colour backgrounds that brighten her figures and bring a simple elegance to her works.

Forgotten Dreams.  2010   Acrylic on Canvas

In the scenes of swimmers and loungers in the pool, the playful flittering of light across a watery surface is juxtaposed with the pockets of shadows and undulating ripples. The vibrant colours and confident gestures of her figures communicate a sense of serenity. One can feel the warm sun beating down from above yet experience the cooling, therapeutic relief of the water.

The song is you.  2010   Acrylic on Canvas

A bird’s eye view gives many of her works a cinematic touch. The close-up angles provide exposure to detail, thus inviting a certain level of intimacy and allowing the observer to make a personal connection.

You must believe in Spring.  Acrylic

You can fine more of Nina's work on her website - Nina Notle