The Exhibit

Would the viewer glean as much meaning from a solemn Frida Kahlo self-portrait had they not heard the backstory of Kahlo learning to paint as she sat, bedridden, nursing a broken pelvis? Or would Cindy Sherman’s photographs be no more than selfie worship should the viewer not see the clever identity play at work? The importance of narrative and storytelling in women’s work is the focus of the latest art show, “The Moment. The Backdrop. The Persona,” at Girls’ Club (117 NE Second St., Fort Lauderdale). The show explores both artists’ need to tell a story in their work and the symbiotic desire of the viewer to walk away from the piece with a story line. Gallery Director Sarah Michelle Rupert says the works are “circling around three elements of story­telling — plot, setting, and character.” In painting, photography, video installation and performance, more than 30 artists will be displayed, including Nicole Eisenman, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Chantal Joffe, Natalya Laskis, Lori Nix, Lisa Sanditz, and Su-en Wong, from the collection of Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz. Whether with an interesting character, a singular event, or a particularly imaginative backdrop, a narrative is present in all works even as they hark back to mythology and fairy tale or to present-day interpersonal drama. Friday night’s opening reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m. with wine, snacks, and coffee provided by Colada Cuban Coffee House and Eatery. The show will be on display Friday through September 2015. The show’s accompanying catalog will feature a creative writing by Girls’ Club writer in residence Laura McDermott. Call 954-828-9151, or visit girlsclubcollection.org.
Fri., Nov. 7, 2014