| Annie Kevans | |
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SWANS Inspired by the hit reality-TV show aired on American television in 2006, Kevans utilises Swans as a starting-point to explore the notion of the American Dream. In a show where ‘Ugly Duckling’ contestants are transformed into beautiful ‘Swans’ with the help of a plastic surgeon, speech therapist and stylist, the startlingly identical clones that emerge are the ugly progeny of Society’s apparent obsession with youth and beauty. This very public fascination with eternal youth, beauty and fame is apparent in the tale of Jessica Dubroff, a seven-year old pilot who, encouraged by her parents to become the youngest person to achieve a solo-flight across the Atlantic, tragically plunged to her death on take-off. Her death, along with that of her father and flying instructor who were her passengers, was filmed by dozens of camera crews and journalists who had gathered to witness what they had expected to be a record-breaking spectacle. Ironically, Jessica made headline news not for a record-breaking flight, but for her untimely death. Fascinated by the dichotomy that exists between one’s aspirations and reality, Kevans has also included a portrait of Doreen Tracey in the exhibition. The child of famous vaudeville actors Sidney Tracey and Bessie Hay, Doreen Tracey’s biography could be read as the classic story of the downfall of an American sweetheart. Most recognized from her role as a child star in the original Mickey Mouse Club where all-singing, all-dancing actors provided shining examples for the American youth, Doreen was last seen posing, legs spread-wide and wearing only her ears from her Mouseketeer costume in Playboy magazine. Annie Kevans graduated from St. Martins in 2004 where her entire show sold out within minutes. She has since taken part in numerous group shows, as well as a widely-acclaimed solo show entitled Girls at Studio 1.1 in 2006. A single portrait displayed along with 49 other works by hot new painters in Salon 2007 led to every piece in her studio immediately selling out. Named number 32 in New Woman’s ‘Brit Hit List’, one of Kevans’ paintings will be appearing on ‘Have I Got News For You’ in late April. Her work is currently touring with the Jerwood Drawing Prize.
319 Portobello
Road 1 - 23rd June 2007 |
