Beauty and the Beast

You don’t have to be an art expert to know that the mingling of nature and women is a well-traveled motif — the whole Mother Earth thing has been driving art and philosophy since folks stopped living in caves. But that doesn’t mean there’s no tread left on the tires...

By John Linn

June 5, 2008

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You don’t have to be an art expert to know that the mingling of nature and women is a well-traveled motif — the whole Mother Earth thing has been driving art and philosophy since folks stopped living in caves. But that doesn’t mean there’s no tread left on the tires. In her latest exhibition, “Subjective Charm,” Miami-born artist Tatiana Suarez is bringing that theme back to the fore. While you might not call her femmes motherly — their nymphish features and sunken eyes suggest a far more complex instinct — they do demonstrate a distinct natural bond. Course, that’s bound to be the case when you have snakes sliding through your weave and hummingbirds pollinating your hair. Yeah, it’s like that.

Suarez’ nude, pastel gals seem to be imbued with nature in the strangest of ways: One lass hugs a fish while lily pads blossom from her locks; another has become a caterpillar from the waist down (her slender hands clutch a hookah stem; you can almost hear the words “Whoooo are yoooou?”). Yes, these superheroines definitely have some extra-earthly powers, but you also have to wonder if their Kate Moss vibe (call it heroine chic) hints that they’re slightly over it all. One thing’s for sure: you won’t be. There’s enough going on here to keep both pop and contemporary modern fans intrigued for days. Lucky for you, the exhibit, opening tonight at Antikulture (at the Deluxe Art Gallery, 2051 NW Second Ave., Wynwood), will stay put until June 13. The reception kicks off at 7 p.m., runs till “late,” and is free for all. Call 305-858-7735, or visit www.antikulture.com.
June 7-13, 2008

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