Suzy Birstein: Ladies-Not-Waiting: Las Meninas and CenTauress
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Amelia Douglas Art Gallery 700 Royal Ave (PO Box 2503), New Westminster, British Columbia V3L 5B2
Suzy Birstein, "Ladies-Not-Waiting: Las Meninas and CenTauress," 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 19, 4:30 pm.
Artist's Talk: September 24 at 6:30 pm and September 25 at 12:30 pm.
Suzy Birstein’s work springs from her fascination with the magic and wisdom of a host of female figures from mythology, fairytale, history, and popular culture. Born of the interplay between aesthetic processes and formed intuitively using fired clay, patina, collage, and oil on canvas, Ladies-Not-Waiting comprises a charming and mysterious sisterhood inspired by Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece Las Meninas (Ladies in Waiting).
Unlike the women in Velázquez’s time, Birstein’s contemporary Ladies-Not-Waiting are truly honoured. The CenTauresses are the female equivalent of ancient Greek centaurs, mythological beings who exude mischief and play, healing and mentorship. The costumed Las Meninas are gentle women-warriors nurtured by the past, responsive to the present, and driven by a desire to shape fulfilling destinies for themselves and kindred souls. Cherishing these wise ones, Birstein amalgamates old world majesty and contemporary charisma: think Queen Nefertiti meets Carmen Miranda or Ganesha meets Lady Gaga.
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