'Chasing Intimacy' is Anguish at Face Value

Atlanta-Journal Constitution
VIZARTS: OUTSIDE THE LINES
Thursday, October 27, 2005
By Jerry Cullum

WHAT IT IS: "Chasing Intimacy," a show of Teresa Brazen's paintings and video, is at Jill Celeste Gallery in Oakhurst.

BACKGROUND: Brazen was recently certified by a mail-in audience vote as one of Atlanta's best-liked artists under 30. Known for her bright-colored paintings of female faces, she is also recognized for her 2002 video with Annie Langan about life in the over-wired society of the 21st century, plus the more recent video on display in "Intimacy."

THE MESSAGE: Brazen is out to do more than meets the eye. As with her short video of her putting on and removing makeup while reciting an anxious litany of "I am beautiful" or "I am not beautiful," Brazen's colorful paintings prod viewers past the good-time color scheme, to look at the sometimes downright anguished faces of the men and women she portrays. It's a serious conceptual agenda disguised by a candy palette.

WHO SHOULD SEE IT: The most obvious are visitors to the Palate wine and dessert bar that occupies the same space as the gallery. But visitors to the Seen Gallery next door or any of the other art and entertainment spots in the Oakhurst district will want to check out whether they think Brazen deserves her popular vote of confidence. Some won't like the work as much when they figure out the message; others are going to like it a lot more.

THE 411: 6-11 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays; 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays; 4-9 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 27. Jill Celeste Gallery at Palate, 321 W. Hill St., Suite 7B, Decatur. 404-373-4702, www.palatewinebar.com.