How do women view men? Is it through the lens of desire or objectivity? What does it mean to reverse the roles and examine how women look at men?
This show, curated by Diane Alire, was to feature eight female photographers exploring the concept of “the female gaze” by photographing the male nude. However, only six of the original eight photographers presented their work at the exhibition. The idea for the show came from the companion exhibition “One Model, 15 Photographers” previously at Matrix Fine Art in which one female model was photographed by fifteen photographers.
Participating artists include Lisa Tremaine, Kyle Zimmerman, Ann Bromberg, Kate Livingston, Aaron Marie and Diane Alire. Kyle Zimmerman says, “I think the lens that we view each other is more complex than only desire or objectivity. I am female/I am male. I am me/I am you.” Her piece Legacy is a story about the feminine quality in the male to nurture, to hold, to stay. Her piece Reach is a riff on the old classic Vitruvian Man - a study in perfect proportions and standards. Zimmerman says, “For me, perfection is about the reach we all have to enforce our destiny. Man. Woman. Us.”
Kate Livingston poignantly describes the experience of photographing the male figure by stating, “As a female artist, I know the way I see men is generally different than a male artist views a woman. I believe that women see things with a little more grace or delicateness, a softer beauty, if you will. There isn’t a feeling of, ‘that is so sexy,’ but more like, ‘that is so beautiful.’
Livingston also mentioned that when she picked her model some of her considerations were, ‘Would I feel comfortable working with him?’ ‘Is there any connection?’ She imagine that a male photographer might not even consider these questions when choosing a female model.
Livingston chose the outdoor setting at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. She brought two assistants with her to block the trail on either side to make the model feel safe. Livingston says, “Tent Rocks is a part of my feminine self. The hike isn’t too challenging or long, and it’s got twists and turns just like emotions. It has slot canyons that fill with water in a storm, but for the most part are very dry and protected from the hot sun.” Her two pieces titled Strength and Perseverance are named for qualities that she says many men possess, but they are also qualities within her.
Female Gaze/Male Figure will hang through December 27th at Matrix Fine Art located in Albuquerque’s historic Nob Hill, 3812 Central Avenue SE, Suite 100 A, Albuquerque, NM 87108, (505) 268-8952, www.matrixfineart.com
