Art Commentary

Empowering Women by Linda Stein & Jim Gingerich

by Marion Wolberg Weiss

Work by Linda Stein

Postmodernism has always been a confusing concept, at once either too academic or vague to explain. Some consider it an art movement that can be applied to diverse forms like film, architecture and literature. In art, its inception can be traced to such separate movements as Neo-Expressionism, Neo-Conceptualism, New Image painting and performance art.

In a nutshell, Postmodernism is a synthesis of modern tastes and concerns with more classical approaches and motifs. It primarily responds to the political/social realities of contemporary times.

“To Get My Hands On Him” by Jim Gingerich

Sculptures by Linda Stein and paintings by Jim Gingerich adhere to Postmodernism in similar and fascinating ways, it seems to this critic. What's most compelling, perhaps, are their unique subjects and themes; these works are by idiosyncratic artists who follow their own path without a nod to fads and commerce.

Stein's female warriors have evolved from forms on the wall to torsos that can be adorned by real people. Yet their configurations are feminine, composed variously of wood, metal, stone, paper and leather. For example, Stein's "Knight at Ease 652" is a mixed-media collage with acrylic paper and archival inks.

The fact that they have been described as "trickster figures in their shape-shifting potentialities" signifies diverse inspirational sources. For example, "trickster" recalls Jungian archetypes; the shape-shifting reminds us of rituals practiced by witches.

Even so, Stein's sculptures are derived from a more personal perspective. They are "protectors" and "defenders" of women, generally, and of herself, particularly-an idea stemming from early childhood fears and more recent anxieties after escaping from the Twin Towers on September 11.

Stein's sculptures are Postmodern in their evolution as well. Representing the heroic figures expressed in classical metaphysics, the works also respond to current political circumstances where there's an overpowering need to break the molds of "gender constructions and gender constrictions"-an expression used by Stein at her recent keynote address to the National Association of Women Artists.

Painter Jim Gingerich is another artist whose paintings derive from Postmodern principals, with his newest works depicting the various actions of a female centaurette who functions as Cupid in Greek and Roman myth. This creature is a welcome sight as she goes around shooting arrows and bringing romantic love to local people on a Hampton beach. The classical figure, along with a modern setting, narrative and theme, all offer the kind of Postmodern synthesis which is articulate and imaginative.

Even so, there are other sources at work. Gingerich admits to a penchant for Joseph Campbell and his mythic hero. The artist also suggests that his meanings (especially his small sculptures) may come from Freud's interpretation of the id, ego and superego. Moreover, Gingerich's paintings come from drawings for a graphic novel, Eros Entangled, that he is writing. We must consider, however, that his real inspirations may come from a sense of spirituality and love of nature.

Linda Stein's works are on exhibit at Flomenhaft Gallery in New York until Oct. 24. Call 212-268-4952. Jim Gingerich's works are on view at his studio (48 Foster Avenue, Bridgehampton). Call 340-626-0227.

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