TOTEM DEVI
by Johnathan Reiner
This screen print was selected by Rebecca Darch, gallery manager at Rostra Gallery, as a work she believes to challenge both the historical and contemporary representations of female beauty. “What begins as a figure portrayed as fragile or tormented, is transformed and empowered by the artist’s embellishment,” says Rebecca. “I see femininity as a celebration of women however they wish to lead their lives – it’s the ability to embrace who you are and share your achievements with the rest of the world. Reiner’s work dissects objective and universal ideals, and reveals them to be socially constructed concepts. He shows how these concepts are not hard-wired into our brains, but imposed on us by the culture we live in. Using found materials, which range from early 20th century pornography to contemporary fashion magazines, Reiner contrasts western notions of beauty with those of native and tribal beauty. In doing so he explores the idea that the concept of ‘beauty’ is fluid, and liable to change according to time, place and context.” Johnathan Reiner’s work will feature at the Love Rostra exhibition until 27 February, and his Solo Show can be seen in September. Rostra Gallery, 5 George Street, Bath; www.rostragallery.co.uk w
USING FOUND MATERIALS, SUCH AS PORNOGRAPHY, REINER CONTRASTS WESTERN NOTIONS OF BEAUTY WITH THOSE OF NATIVE AND TRIBAL BEAUTY