To undress before a camera or an easel is to
don the garments of representation; to take off one dress or costume,
and put on another known as "the nude."
There is an assertion that the nude body is no less clothed
than the clothed one. -Victor Tupitsyn Charles Cowles Gallery is pleased to announce our first
exhibition of Mona Kuhn's photographs. This series continues her observation
of the nude, but the new works are in color and explore the composition
of the figures leaving the relationships between the people ambiguous.
Her distinctive palette of warm earth tones complements the unfettered
ease with which her subjects lounge. W. Jackson Rushing III writes, "The models are her
'friends,' and the resulting photographs reveal a comfortable and
graceful intimacy between the photographer and her subjects. The large works contain luscious young bodies
that suggest the meditative repose of classical statuary; the mood
is one of luscious languor - an almost Edenic eroticism that is neither
'sexy' nor exploitative." In a subject frequently used by artists, the nude has become
a sort of “rite of passage” to those who observe human body in its
most basic form. Mona Kuhn’s approach to this classic theme, while
acknowledging her predecessors, creates work that is culturally anonymous
with rare references to art historical precedents.
Her subjects are members of a nudist colony in Mona Kuhn's first monograph (Steidl, 108 pages / 53 plates) is available
for sale for $60. There will be a booksigning event at The International
Center of Photography, 1133
Ave of the The exhibition will be on view at the Charles
Cowles Gallery at Image: Merle, 2003, chromogenic print,
30 x 30" |
