Look Out/Look In

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is pleased to present Look Out / Look In an exhibition by artist, Fiona Crangle.

Fiona Crangle's figurative paintings explore the portrayal of women in both a contemporary and art historical context. Crangle’s painting practice directly quotes art historical canons produced by male artists looking at female subjects. She references portraits of young women by artists such as Guido Reni, and Diego Velázquez, while also exploring Johannes Vermeer’s portrayal of women in the home, engaged in household chores.

Fiona Crangle re-appropriates the paintings, replacing the historical characters with real, contemporary women such as her daughter, her friends, and her students. Some of the women send her selfies to work from, while others pose and perform the activities portrayed in the paintings. Drawn from a female perspective, Crangle’s work raises questions about the male gaze, the way in which women are portrayed historically and in the present day, and the scrutiny by which we view them.

Biography:
Fiona Crangle graduated from York University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Education. Her career as an arts educator has spanned over two decades and informs her practice. She explores subject matter that parallels the interest of her students, examining themes of adolescence, self-portrayal, and of young women. Crangle has shown her work in solo and group exhibitions in various commercial and community galleries.