Does Gender Still Matter?

Robert L. Ringel Gallery, Purdue Memorial Union

October 22 through December 2, 2007

..."Andrew Wodzianski focuses on elements of mass-produced culture that are encoded with gender, race and class - comics, coloring books and toys.  While textile patterns are frequently equated with femininity, Wodzianski creates notable exceptions.  Hybrid figures challenge the social significance of paisley, polka dots, and grey flannel found in the background.  In these works established orders are combined and positions of subjugation and empowerment are flipped.  In Jimmie, I'll be there soon and Tony, I'll be there soon NASCAR and roller-derby are presented in Rorschach-blot style.  Drivers Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart's car numbers and signatures create the background pattern.  A stylized car engine replaces a woman's head, referencing both types of "hood ornaments" - including the type created at auto shows (and at NASCAR races) using scantily clad models.  These titles might indicate the women depicted are in the process of transformation into racecars or suggest a power shift - instead of the sporting men promising to return, perhaps the women are telling the NASCAR drivers to wait for them."

- Elizabeth K. Mix