LARISSA BATES – SNAP AND GO
2011-05-30In her paintings a repeating cast of characters play out psychological dramas connected to families, care giving, and power. Investigation of gender roles is a central theme in these works, with a particular emphasis on social constructions of masculinity. The main protagonist of the narrative is the Mother Man character, depicted as a wrestler who embodies qualities that are very nurturing in addition to being athletic, heroic and noble. The Mother Men strive for pacifism, and often engage in wrestling with one another.
The topic of colonialism is another theme central to the paintings. Chiquita Banana Girls, who appear of the in her work, are seen carrying fruit through the landscapes. Bates is the great-granddaughter of George P. Chittenden, who was the vice president of the United Fruit Company, which controlled the banana trade in Costa Rica, from 1925 to 1932. The United Fruit Company brought schools, railroads, and industry to Costa Rica. But under complex circumstances. They implemented institutionalized racism, as workers of color were banned from the company. UFC was notorious for abusive labor practices and exploitation of the Costa Rican citizens and their land rights. As a descendant of both the colonized and the colonizers, Bates’ paintings explore the interdependence of these two groups.
Opposite – Dobbs Ferry Ladies Watching Children with Bats, 2011
Exhibition runs through to July 22nd, 2011
Galería Espacio Mínimo
Doctor Fourquet 17 & 24
28012
Madrid
Spain
