MEDIA RELEASE FOR THE ART SHOW, “FEMALE GAZES”, at The Paint Spot art supply
store, 10032-81 Avenue , October 9, 2024 to November 18, 2024
Artist Kim Shanks was taking in 18th Century artist Francois Boucher’s portrait, Resting Girl,
when the light came on.
“I realized – I was shocked to realize – that Boucher had taken everything away from his
subject. She was invisible but for her body. She had no dignity. She had been objectified.”
Then Kim realized almost all female portraiture was in the same boat. All celebrated artists, up
until the 20th Century were men. Women painting/representing women were largely unknown.
“In the Time-Life book series on art history, ALL the painters were male,” points out Kim.
“Women were rarely mentioned as artists. Up until the recent past, we were not allowed to
gather publicly, or be in cultural groups.”
The imbalance exists to this day. Kim wanted to do something. She put out a call to other
female artists to join an art show that would celebrate women painting women, “as subjects, not
objects, as friends who know each other.
The response surpassed her most optimistic hopes.
Joining Kim in the art show Female Gazes, at The Paint Spot art supply store from October 9,
2024 to November 18 are paintings from nearly 50 female artists for whom the call – women
celebrating women in art – had deep resonance.
“It will be a lot of fun,” grins Kim. “It’s as if we already know each other, already are seeing
each other not as muses, models or mothers … but as artists.”
For further information and media interviews regarding the Female Gazes art show, please
reach out to Kim at 780-803-8628, or [email protected].
A Grand Opening will be held October 10 at The Paint Spot beginning at 7pm. Every body
welcome.