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Teresa Brazen: Chasing Intimacy |
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PIEDMONT REVIEW Teresa Brazen’s art, like the moral that lies within it, is deceiving. At first glance, it seems superficial - an image of pop-culture. The vivid colors and modern seductive images seem almost Warhol-like. However, a deeper study into the artist’s psyche reveals a complex, more meaningful purpose. On exhibition through November at the new Jill Celeste Gallery in Decatur, Brazen’s show entitled “Chasing Intimacy” is one worth visiting. According to Brazen, this exhibition of bold, sensual female images addresses the lack of intimacy in modern society. “Intimacy is a big part of my work, says Brazen. “Between the technology boom, the breakdown of the family unit, and obsession with our exteriors, rather than interiors, we have become very detached from each other. These paintings are designed to remind us of that - by putting images that are both physically and emotionally intimate in your face.” Each piece has a sculptural feel created by an imaginative use of shape and size, including canvases stretched across deep-box frames and multi-canvas works. At first glance, each piece of art seems to be simply a contemporary female image painted in bright, slick colors. A closer investigation exposes a deeper emotional theme conveyed by the figure’s posture, expression, color and title. The works also use images of women to communicate female empowerment. Each woman is painted in bold colors with unashamed emotion expressed on her face. “I like to create strong women in my art because I think that idea still needs to be reinforced,” says Brazen. “Women have only recently been able to embrace their power in society – in some cultures, not at all.” The paintings are accompanied by “Gadget Addict,” a video artwork produced by Brazen and artist Annie Langan. The video explores how electronic communication devices create greater disconnection between human beings. The short narrative tells the story of a manager who engages in four simultaneous conversations through devices while having a meeting with an employee. The video culminates with five screens, each displaying a character in the communication triangle of chaos. “Gadget Addict” was funded by the Metropolitan Public Arts Coalition and Atlanta Celebrates Photography. Teresa Brazen is a self-taught artist living in Atlanta. Her interest in art began as a child, but was reignited after the death of a friend. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in the United States, Brazen graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia. She also studied in Puerto Rico and France. Her most recent honors include Resident Artist at Arts Electronic, Metropolitan Public Arts Coalition and Atlanta Celebrates Photography grant recipient, and featured artist in LowCo Advertising Agency’s “Artist Exposure” program. She was also voted "Best Visual Artist Under 30" in Creative Loafing's "Best of 2005" issue. Brazen’s work can be seen online at www.brazenart.com. A very informal artist talk will be held at Jill Celeste Gallery in Decatur on November 5, from 7-10 p.m. |
