Janice Gobey: Voyeur

Posted: 15 Feb 2012

‘Drapery is interesting in this respect, since it can be perceived as covering something and at the same time as revealing, or about to reveal, something. Drapery, it could be argued, is ideally suited to fetishistic representation.  The spectator of the artistically constructed image of drapery oscillates between different viewing positions, and positions of knowledge, in a similar manner to the fetishist, whose splitting of the ego allows him (or sometimes her) to maintain two contradictory perceptions.’  (Doy, Gen, Drapery Classicism and Barbarism in Visual Culture).

With undergraduate studies in Psychology and Sociology Janice Gobey harbours a fascination for the human condition and in particular the dynamics between men and women. As an artist, her work takes its cue from psychoanalysis, specifically the work of Lacan and Freud. According to Freud, fur and velvet are two of the most desired substitute items for fetishists.

In her latest body of work, Janice explores the allure of texture. Armed with paintbrush and oils, Janice works patiently to translate the sensuous qualities of fur and velvet drapery to canvas. Concurrently concealing and revealing they create an intimate, sensory and somewhat disquieting experience. She successfully facilitates the experience of wanting to touch something that is actually a two dimensional illusion.

http://www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/events/janice-gobey/

Hours: Tue - Fri 11am to 5pm  Sat 12pm to 4pm Admission: Free

Exhibition runs Tuesday 21 February to Saturday 3 March 2012

Image: Janice Gobey, Interrogation, 2011, Oil on Belgian linen, 170 x 200 cm.

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