Penny Mailander - 1999

The Robin Rice Gallery announces a solo show of photography by Penny Mailander. The opening reception will be held on Thursday January 14, 1999 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. The show runs through February 25, 1999.

In this exhibition, Mailander photographs the human figure in sections then reconstructs it. Though the framed segments do not fit perfectly with one another, together they echo the rhythms of the body. Her portrayals are faceless and androgynous. When seen from Mailander's point of view, these not-quite-literal images raise the question of exposure. In masking the personality of her subjects, she broaches the fears and insecurities involved in revealing one’s self.

After studying painting and photography, Mailander wanted to create color images without the look of commercial color film. She was also keen on creating her own color palette. Painting black and white images gives her control over both aspects of her work. Over the past five years, Mailander has perfected a palette of distinctive muted earthy hues. Her subtle out of focus technique and slight camera movements enhances the painterly quality of the finished piece.

Andrea is pictured on the invitation. Its five segments are separate negatives, which taken together, form a single figure. The nude pictured is so casual in posture, it is as if the viewer has caught her unaware. Mailander is idealizing the subject’s ease.

Another image Lara shows a single negative image of a nude woman enshrouded by trees. Though the subject ( atypically ) faces the camera, her face is rendered unrecognizable. With camera movements we are left with a surrealistic, eerie quality.

From New Zealand, Mailander moved to New York in 1987. She studied painting and photography at The School of Visual Arts. Presently she is a producer in broadcast design. Penny has exhibited in other galleries New York City. In addition to several group shows, one two person show, this is her first solo show at The Robin Rice Gallery.