Shana Nys Dambrot I love the marriage of concept and artistry here, with such attention to detail, gentle wit and strong statements, all backed up by the power and problematics of art history.
In my work, I am inquiring about the problematic and subjective notion of power by altering the historical role of portraits in society. For centuries, portraiture was used as a method for the bourgeoisie to demonstrate their wealth and success through the use of extravagant decorations and garments. My intention in this series is to deconstruct the representation of power and opulence. These photographs respond to the need to portray ordinary people of Cuba. The models, apparently dressing in sumptuous costumes were using regular objects found in their homes such as curtains, table covers
