Eve Poland exhibits a range of works showing women in situations loosely connected to sex. A recurring theme is the woman in command of her situation, either overtly - whip in hand, or a subjugated (or decapitated) human or animal adjacent - or evoked by the relaxation or confidence of her pose.

Works include: Wanda Von Dunajew - a woman is naked except for spiked collar, fishnets, high-heeled boots; she has long brown hair and reclines on fur on a chaise longue, riding crop in hand; on crimson floor, against a red orange background. Snow White - a woman with green eyes, black hair, stockings, red skirt, bustier, stands with her foot on the bottom of a fat woman (or possibly man) in shorts who crawls on the floor; the standing woman holds a lead tight around the other person's neck; on a blue floor and background. Mabel Stark - a standing naked woman is seen from behind; she has blonde hair, long white gloves, long white boots, whip; stalking between her legs there's an orange tiger with powerful eyes. The Show Girl - a woman is naked, tattooed hand on hip; she's made-up with blue mascara, black eyes, pert grey lips; blonde hair and pink plume; she looks crossly from the frame; against a white ground.

Eve Poland's works shown here are almost cartoon-like, as if each illustrates a separate story, but the technique is deceptive, masking a fine-art approach that reveals concealed emotions. Although the ingredients in each picture are taken from the sexual vocabulary, the work doesn't come across as erotic, because of the inner look of disengagement on each protagonist's face. The characters look at the observer, each with a face almost like a cat's. The look is often seemingly bored, but within it is a disturbing sense of loss, verging on bewilderment, and an unexpected but touching vulnerability.

List of Works: (include, sizes approximate, several titles available as smaller prints): Wanda Von Dunajew (acrylic on box canvas, 40 x 40cm). Snow White (acrylic on box canvas, 40 x 40cm). Mabel Stark (acrylic on box canvas, 40 x 40cm). The Show Girl (120 x 120cm). Salome (acrylic on box canvas, 30 x 40cm). Elizabeth Bathory (acrylic on box canvas, 30 x 40cm). Cleopatra (acrylic on box canvas, 30 x 40cm). The Snakecharmer. Whatever You Desire. Tattooed Lady. Odalisque's Revenge. The Elegance of Rope. Purple Morella. Olympia. Tiger's Eye. Love & Lashes. Cracking The Whip. Heel. Morella Waits. Lily Likes Locks. Fun With Cigarettes. (End of list)

Credits: Artist - Eve Poland. Venue Proprietors - Katherine Hope, Jeremy Whittaker

END

John Park

reviewed Wednesday 16 May 07 / Núa

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008