From BEARS by Kent Rogowski, published by Miss Rosen Editions/powerHouse Books
At first glance, i had no idea what sort of stuffed animals I was staring at against their stark white backgounds. One had sort of a Santa Claus beard but no visible nose or mouth, hunched over with its legs spread as if about to slide into the splits. Another had amputated arms, a face mask, and was in dire need of a bikini wax. I had to give in and check the cover to find out the deal with these peculiar dolls.
Bears, the first book by Kent Rogowski, is a series of portraits of the most unusual sort: ordinary teddy bears that have been turned inside out and restuffed. Each animal’s appearance is determined by the necessities of the manufacturing process. Simple patterns and devices never meant to be seen are now prominent physical characteristics, giving each one a distinctly quirky personality: their fasteners become eyes, their seams become scars, and their stuffing creeps out in the most unexpected places, ie, the aformentioned beard and bush. The eye mask, buckram. And those talking teddy bears, well, their inner wiring suggests as if they’re on some sort of respiratory system.
Bordering cruel and definitely unusual, these bears have a unique and loveable quality. Each one is more special than before and even a mass produced Care Bear becomes a one-of-a-kind. View the images in person and meet the creator of new life at the Artist’s Reception.
Join powerHouse Books at the artist’s reception this Thursday, June 21st, 6-8pm.
FOLEY gallery, 524 West 27th Street, 5th Floor
Exhibition continues through August 10
Dis Dop3 son…plain sick im luvin it!!!
all da way 4rm D-Town,Tx
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i love this… it’s beautiful and horrific. like how we interpret our own feelings if worn on the outside.