June 19th from 4-6pm, Artist reception/talk for “Coquettish Modernisms” with Ashley Gibbons @ 102 w. 5th Street, LA 90013
In photographs, and even in person at a slight distance, certain of Ashley Gibbons’ images might be mistaken for painting — and not just any painting, but the masculine non-representation of 20th-century modernism, from abstract expressionism to constructivism. And in truth, the deliberate, sophisticated, and patient way in which she composes her colors, patterns, and textures is quite lively and gestural; but there’s no paint. Only panties. Stretched, layered, and sometimes lacy, these works want for nothing in terms of the movement, wit, or the imposing beauty Pollock chased. When Gibbons continues her radicalization of traditional (aka female) crafts and takes up embroidery, it has to do with forceful sexual narratives and dreamy surrealism. While that might put you in mind of New York’s Orly Cogan (who is also showing in LA right now), the truth is they only share the needle; where Cogan deconstructs an aesthetic of sweetness and virtue, Gibbons’ stitched work is raw and lascivious. 
- Shana Nys Dambrot, Managing Editor of Flavorpill and Art critic
Edgar Varela Fine Arts
102. W. 5th street (5th & Main), Los Angeles 90013
Wednesday-Saturday from 12pm to 6pm (213) 604-3634
Ashley Gibbons solo exhibition will be up until June 26th
$1,600 – Panties, screws, nails on wood, 48” x 48”, 2009
$1,600 – Panties, screws, nails on wood, 48” x 48”, 2009
$4,000 – Panties, screws, nails on wood, 48” x 96”, 2009
$2,000 – Mixed media on fabric and lights, 48” x 48”, 2010
$4,000 – Quilt; hand embroidery, silk, linen, 54” x 75”, 2010
$600 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 18” x 24”, 2010
$600 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 18” x 24”, 2010
$600 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 18” x 24”, 2010
$800 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 34” x 20”, 2010
$800 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 34” x 20”, 2010
$700 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 24” x 24”, 2010
$4,000 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 30” x 96”, 2010
$1,000 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 10” x 8”, 2010
$1,000 – Hand embroidery and fabric, 10” x 8”, 2010
Ashley Gibbons solo exhibition will be up until June 26th – Contactedgar@edgarvarelafinearts.com for all inquiries.
