Ambar Navarro, ‘ouch.jpg,’ photo print on acrylic, 40 in. x 26 in., 2016. | Image courtesy the artist.
On Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6 pm, Big Pictures LA hosts the opening reception for QWERTY, Flirty, and Crying a group art show featuring internet artists kyttenjanae, Arvida Byström, Brittney Scott and CalArts alumna Ambar Navarro (Film/Video BFA 15).
In QWERTY, Flirty, and Crying, the four artists use photography, animation, neon sculptures and tapestry to create work that deal with femininity, vulnerability, empowerment and exploitation. The works share a commonality in color palettes used (a lot of pink) and how they all address being female on the internet. In particular, the art responds to Sad Girl Theory, proposed by CalArts’ own Audrey Wollen (Art BFA 15), postulating that the sorrow, weeping, starvation and suicide performed by women throughout history are all acts of resistance.
Navarro, who is an experimental animator, is branching out in this exhibit, showing a large print and two acrylic pieces. In an interview with Paper Magazine, she talks about her work:
I’m interested in making work that is personal yet relatable and also informative. I like learning about online surveillance and the darknet, but also the darker side of people’s lives. Obsessions, broken relationships, and the loss of friendships has been a reoccurring theme in my work, but I still try to make it playful and even entertaining throughout.
QWERTY, Flirty, and Crying is on view through Oct. 15.
Event Details
QWERTY, Flirty, and Crying
Sept. 15 through Oct. 15
Big Pictures LA
2424 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles
Free
Opening reception Sept. 15 at 6 pm