Dan's Papers - March 21, 2008 - Art Commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss

Last week's "Art Commentary" focused on male artists' perception of women; Jennifer Cross represents a female's sensibility, even though that sensibility might be subtle and juxtaposed with male character traits as well.

These dynamics are played out in Cross' latest pieces, currently at the Islip Art Museum. Yet, there's a reminder too of her signature beach grass paintings over the last several years although the comparisons are not overt. We have the same oppositional styles: both fantasy (romantic, graceful, wispy, which may be labeled as "feminine") and realism (literally rooted to the earth and suggesting danger, which may be perceived as more "masculine").

In Cross' current exhibit, we also see similar contradictions (according to curator Janet Goleas) identified with gender. For example, Goleas describes Cross' tower series as "quixotic and beguiling." She goes on to say that at the same time, the paintings are "fraught with internal peril." Such oppositions respond to female and male traits, respectively, at least in this critic's mind.

The subject of towers, generally, also signifies ambiguity to Cross when she relates them to the Bible, human arrogance or human folly. We'd like to suggest their sexual sources as well, keeping within the context of gender differences associated with Cross' work.

Another female artist, Claire Watson, who is due to open her show at Riverhead's Art Sites in April, also strikes a similar chord. Her sculpture-like pieces, made from gloves, are an intriguing combination of material and form.

Yet her subjects are decidedly the female body: the sexual, feminine side and the strong, masculine side. Often, the woman's figure is seen as two distinct parts, in fact, the sensual torso separated from the lower half of the body (glove) which suggests strength.

Often, the entire glove takes on human traits, as if it were a character all its own, with concrete personalities to match. Consider "Dispatched" possessing the charm of a newborn baby (feminine) or "Real and Pretend," suggesting assertiveness (masculine).

Jennifer Cross's works will be on view at Islip Art Museum until March 22. Claire Watson's work will be at Art Sites in Riverhead from April 12- May 18.