Offering a subversive glimpse into femininity by dressing common household items, jewelry, and clothing in girly glamor to the point of excessiveness, Ali Hval showcases the extreme and often suffocating and restrictive work that goes into performing femininity and all the roles that come with it.
The glitz, vibrance, and sheer volume of embellishments portray how restrictive the labor that goes into modern womanhood and expectations of submission to the powers that be really are.
It’s as if the works shout, “stop, think, can’t you see what lies below the pretty facade?”
Surface Symphony is currently running until Feb. 27, in the gallery on the second floor of Iowa Hall, at Kirkwood Community College.
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by a massive chain practically dripping in thousands upon thousands of aurora borealis gemstones hanging from the ceiling and snaking its way down until it begins to curl upon the floor.
Gemstones like the ones encrusting the chain are almost exclusively seen in nail salons, clothing, and crafts.
This chain design captures the message of the work clearly, especially when considering the labor involved in placing every tiny gem. It reminds the viewer of the chains that seem to be tightening as the rights of many go up for debate in the political arena.
Hval says her work is in part inspired by living in what was once a more progressive Iowa and watching that progress backslide over the past eight years, both locally and nationally.
Hval also has a concurrently running show by the name of “This Charmed Life” at Coe College alongside Julia J. Wolfe’s “Just Desserts.”
Her work is as vibrant and multifaceted in meaning as the gems with which she adorns her pieces.
Her exhibit at Coe College not only uses similar motifs to those at Kirkwood, but also captures the message of the weight of femininity in a world that seems more and more to be working backwards with performance and clothing heavy and restrictive movement and design.
The exhibit “This Charmed Life” is currently running at Coe College until March 14. Both shows are free and open to the public.
Categories: Art & Life
