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Two definitions of kinship
Alsbrooks and Mirkil: 'Kinship' at Painted Bride
This show offers an interesting take on notions of family and kinship.
On the surface, the two artists are quite unalike. Helen Mirkil does large oil paintings in an emotionally charged Expressionist style; Kim Alsbrooks does exquisitely rendered miniature portraits— on such societal discards as flattened soda cans and drink cartons.
Alsbrooks calls her show "My White Trash Family"— rather provocatively, since her subjects are gentlemen and gentlewomen from the Federalist Era, all rendered in the style of period portrait miniatures. We think of the term "white trash" in a very different way.
Is the artist making a political statement about what constitutes "quality" in society's eyes? Or is she alluding to the humble refuse she uses as raw material for her work?
Well, it's something to ponder while you admire the fineness of her technique.
Mirkil is the polar opposite of Alsbrooks. Where Alsbrooks works in a detached, almost amused but perhaps critical manner, Mirkil drenches herself in her subjects. Her style is all the more echt-Expressionist in that it carries within it a strong spirituality that lifts it from being a mere stylistic choice.
This lady is "the real deal," and it makes her work something of a challenge. When you look at Mirkil's painting of a mother and her child, you can't just admire the style of the thing. The painting demands that you experience it. This is challenging and exciting work.
On the surface, the two artists are quite unalike. Helen Mirkil does large oil paintings in an emotionally charged Expressionist style; Kim Alsbrooks does exquisitely rendered miniature portraits— on such societal discards as flattened soda cans and drink cartons.
Alsbrooks calls her show "My White Trash Family"— rather provocatively, since her subjects are gentlemen and gentlewomen from the Federalist Era, all rendered in the style of period portrait miniatures. We think of the term "white trash" in a very different way.
Is the artist making a political statement about what constitutes "quality" in society's eyes? Or is she alluding to the humble refuse she uses as raw material for her work?
Well, it's something to ponder while you admire the fineness of her technique.
Mirkil is the polar opposite of Alsbrooks. Where Alsbrooks works in a detached, almost amused but perhaps critical manner, Mirkil drenches herself in her subjects. Her style is all the more echt-Expressionist in that it carries within it a strong spirituality that lifts it from being a mere stylistic choice.
This lady is "the real deal," and it makes her work something of a challenge. When you look at Mirkil's painting of a mother and her child, you can't just admire the style of the thing. The painting demands that you experience it. This is challenging and exciting work.
What, When, Where
Kim Alsbrooks and Helen Mirkil: “Portraying Kinship @ The Bride.†Through March 17, 2013 at Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St. (215) 925-9914 or www.paintedbride.org.
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