Lessons Large & Small
  

"Lesson Number One" is the first in the series of eight oil on linen paintings with corresponding graphite studies done from 1991-1993. The drama-charged space utilizes a heightened chiaroscuro contrast of light and shadow to offer up an ongoing narrative of the history power and oppression of women. In this instance, the visual quote appearing as poster is a detail from Artemesia Gentileschi's ''Susanna and the Elders''.

Inanimate objects echo sexual aspects of the narrative; the open-lipped curvilinear Russel Wright pitcher and symbolic egg resting on carved cabinet with curved legs and door flung wide open, the pair of bare, erect spherical light bulbs illuminating the surrounding darkness with their glare, and of course the suggestive unmade bed with red cover and crumpled cascading linen, all allude to the "lessons" of the narrative.

An interesting coincidence perhaps, that as I worked on this painting, Anita Hill's testimony at the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings was being broadcast live in the background.

Lesson Number One
oil on linen. 48''x36''
1991

      
 

      

    

 

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