"Crab King" by Ruby Jackson

Art Commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss

"21 Women: Paintings and Sculpture at Ashawagh Hall"

This week's exhibit presented a dilemma, and in the spirit of "full disclosure," this critic decided to share that dilemma. If truth be told, it's probably not a big deal either way. But something struck yours truly about the promotion of the show at Ashawagh Hall: Vito Sisti presents "21 Women."

Such an announcement called attention to the fact that Mr. Sisti is a man and his name came first. (In fact, he's been "presenting" the women's show for several years now). Could there be a better term or placement of his name suggesting Mr. Sisti's involvement instead of this somewhat sexist one?

The title designating "21 Women" suggests another connotation: that somehow the works may be feminist in nature. Granted, this is a subjective assumption, but why call the show "21 Women" if it has nothing to do with feminism? Why not instead, "21 Artists Who Happen to Be Women." It's a flip title, we agree, but it serves the argument's point.

Even so, there are a few works that provide a feminist or female perspective. Frances Alenikoff's arresting collages remind us of the part women have played in myth and archetypical narratives. They are charming and provocative. Lenore Bailey's photographs are more realistic regarding female images. Her seascape scenes include a pair of women's eyes. What's intriguing is the positioning of the eyes: for example, in the sky looking down upon the setting or located in the photograph's lower left. The message is both literal and figurative, perhaps meaning that a female has multiple points-of-view.

Other works, like Trish Franey's, are more playful, featuring figures that are both human/feminine and animals, for example. They convey the idea of "personification," suggesting the dual nature of creatures with their shared human qualities.

Most works don't suggest a feminist sensibility at all, but are examples of effective technique. Yet they convey a feeling of playfulness as well. Pieces by Ruby Jackson recall a child's creative endeavors with sand; her smaller works are more structured and controlled, the decorative patterns noted for their fluidity. Mary Antczak's paintings are similarly spontaneous and controlled, her circles, particularly, leading the viewer on a joyful journey through space. Abby Abrams' tiny works on wood represent anothe kind of trip as we experience the local surroundings, especially the boats and bays we never get tired of visiting.

"21 Women" will be on view at Ashawagh Hall until June 22. Gallery hours are 12-5.

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