Exhibit Reveals More Than Just Skin

The opening sequence of the popular show "Mad Men" declares that Madison Ave. is “Where the Truth Lies.”

The paintbrush of Richmond artist Susan Singer strokes at a deeper truth; that the concept of a “perfect” woman is not a one-size fits all. Rather, beauty is drawn from a woman’s courage, authenticity, pursuits and personal stories—whether grim or grand.

Perhaps nudity is the best canvas with which to foster vulnerability, pride and courage. Perhaps in the discarding of clothes, of facades—less becomes more.

The female nudes in Singer’s new show “Not Barbie: A Celebration of Real Women," represent stories of birth, aging, pregnancy, middle age, scars, body modifications, and many other topics.

Singer has been depicting nudes since she started painting in 1999. She said that each series of work is a reflection of issues facing her in her own life, vis-à-vis her own body.

“I needed to come to love my body as it was when I was pregnant,” Singer said. “Then I needed to come to terms with scars my two sons had gotten from two life-saving operations that left me reeling from the preciousness and fragility of their lives.”

For instance, the series “Twelve Naked Men” was an emotional reaction to the “objectification of women by the media.”

“’Not Barbie’ is my way of showing how gorgeous women are - all women - no matter their size, shape, age, or race,” Singer said. “The women I have painted are open, honest, and authentic and exceedingly courageous, allowing me to paint them naked for all to see.”

Read Celia Wren’s review of the exhibit in the Richmond-Times Dispatch.

The show extends beyond the canvas with “Beyond Barbie: Piecing Together Today's Woman,” a series of seven performances and talks about issues important to women.

Each Thursday evening event will frame and explore a new topic, facilitated by experts, activists, speakers and writers in a safe space. Many of the presenters have modeled for Singer, and are in the show “Not Barbie.”

The series runs Sept. 22 thru Nov. 3, from 7-9 p.m., at the Crossroads Art Center. Tickets can be purchased the night of, or prior to the event and also online.

The scheduled talks are detailed below.

Thursday, September 22nd
Strength in Motion: Dancing our Sacred Bodies
Explore different styles of dance with a host of teachers, including Frances Wessells of Virginia Commonwealth University, Peggy O'Neill, Dawn Flores, and Khalima of Illumination Dance Studio. Dance styles range from bellydance to hoop dance to improvisation

Examines how dance serves as a performance art, and also has healing, spiritual, and strengthening qualities.

Thursday, September 29th
Body of work: Piercing and Painting our Personal Masterpiece

Women intentionally modify their bodies through body art, adornment, and other methods. There will be a discussion on these practices as personal growth and expression versus self-harm. Experts in body modification, like Kim Sikorsky and Rachel Easter, will share their thoughts and experiences.

Thursday, October 6th, 2011
The Blues: Liberation, Empowerment, and Joy

Ana Rivera-Poland will open, followed by singer, composer, storyteller and activist Gaye Adegbalola. Adegbaloa has been making music for years, to much fanfare and strong reviews.

Thursday, October 13, 2011
Through the Fire: Reclaiming Lost Power After Trauma & Abuse
Award-winning storytellers Linda Goodman and Megan Hicks will lead a cast of artists who will explore stories of rape, abuse and violence.
Through the transformative power of art, these women will show how to process, rise above and glean wisdom from life's most unwanted and painful lessons.
There will be a question and answer, and there will be community resources, information and advice on hand.

Thursday, October 20, 2011
Caught in a Funhouse Mirror: Distorted Reflections and Eating Disorders
Guest will be nationally known speaker Kathleen MacDonald, who lobbys on behalf of people with eating disorders.
The evening will provide a real glimpse into body image. Whether you, a friend, or family member has been personally affected or you simply want to hear women talk about their lives in a way that is true and real, this night will be powerful.

MacDonald will share a thoroughly personal account of her own struggle with eating disorders, and provide listeners with hope, local and national resources, and practical advice.

A panel of local experts and survivors will also be present to answer questions.

Thursday, October 27th
Listening and Observing: The Power of Birth in Story

Women will share personal experiences birth experiences. The evening will provide an opportunity for to better understand how birth shapes and is shaped by self-perceptions, experiences, and culture.

Thursday, November 3
Life in the First Person: Women's Stories Uncovered

This is the grand finale in the event series, "Beyond Barbie."

An evening of mixed-genre storytelling, reading, and performance art via poetry and prose with seven renowned Richmond writers.

Writers:

Gigi Amateau, novelist
Denise Bennett, storyteller
Tarfia Faizullah, poet
Julie Geen, freelance writer
Shelia Gray, performance artist
Valley Haggard, creative nonfiction writer
Alex Iwashyna, blogger.