Nice write up by Olinda Casimiro, Executive Director of AGN.
https://www.artgalleryofnorthumberland.ca/exhibition/laura-kenney-judy/
“Subversive Judy” emerges as more than just a character in Laura
Kenney’s artistic repertoire; she embodies a rebellion against societal
norms and expectations. For over five years, Kenney has woven the tale
of Judy, a figure both fantastical and deeply relatable, into her art.
Judy is not merely a whimsical creation; she serves as a conduit for
Kenney’s voice and a mirror reflecting the desires and frustrations of
individuals navigating the constraints of social order.
Dressed in black with vibrant red boots, Judy epitomizes freedom,
eschewing traditional domestic duties for moments of carefree abandon.
Kenney’s personal connection to Judy is palpable, rooted in memories of
her mother’s disdain for ironing, a chore dreaded by many. Through Judy,
Kenney explores themes of domesticity, gender roles, labour, and
liberation, challenging conventional narratives surrounding female
identity.
Kenney’s choice of medium, fiber art, adds layers of significance to
her exploration. By utilizing materials traditionally associated with
women’s domestic labour, such as cloth, wool, and thread, Kenney pays
homage to those who have historically been relegated to the margins of
art history. In doing so, she aligns herself with a lineage of artists
who have transformed fiber art from a dismissed craft into a powerful
tool of resistance.
Through Judy, Kenney breathes life into this subversive spirit,
reclaiming the art of fiber work as a means of empowerment and
expression in the contemporary landscape.
Olinda Casimiro
Executive Director
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