Beneath the Skin
Beneath the Skin is an exhibition of work that came out of a collaboration between artist and model - an exploration in paint, of the life and capability of an intelligent, articulate young man with cerebral palsy in which his disability is acknowledged.
Origins of the project.....
The project came about when, in early 2015, Leo, who is also transgender, approached me as he was interested in working with an artist. He wanted to show that how disability and constant movement are not barriers to exploring life.
The idea of painting and drawing someone who constantly moved, and who had altered their external appearance to fit more with what they felt like on the inside, appealed to me . This two year project has resulted in a body of work that incorporates paintings and drawings alongside film, sound and poetry.
The exhibition also provides a basis for talks and audience discussion about issues related to disability and appearance, and can be installed in a variety of venues.
Over the time that we worked together, we developed a strong and intimate relationship, which I believe shows in the work. The exhibition invites the viewer to look at the person rather than the disability, but without pretending that the disability is not there.
The Exhibition.....
The Waterfront Gallery at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich has offered to host the exhibition in February 2018. The exhibition also provides a basis for talks and audience discussion about issues related to disability and appearance, and will be accompanied by video material from my sessions with Leo, a public discussion seminar, and a demonstration. It will be launched by a private view taking the form of a masked ball to represent the idea of obscured or unseen personal characteristics.
Your support.....
I am looking for support to help with the costs involved in mounting the exhibition including producing a high quality catalogue.
See the history of the project here: Beneath the Skin on Blogspot
About Annabel
Annabel Mednick is a figurative artist, based in Ipswich, Suffolk. She makes expressive paintings and portraits full of nuances of light, colour and atmosphere, mainly in oil on canvas.
Annabel captures the intensity and flow of the fleeting moment, the play of the light, and the pleasures, fears and frustrations of everyday life.
‘I often work thematically over periods of time to create bodies of work to be presented in their entirety.’
Annabel has won awards for her portraits, including a prize at the prestigious BP Portrait Awards at the National Portrait Gallery.
She regularly exhibits in venues in London, East Anglia and abroad, and has her work in numerous private collections.
Annabel has enjoyed a varied career that has also involved solo and collaborative work in performance, video and film projects, as well as work in theatre, film and television.
Annabel
Leo