Paintings by Mary
Werner
August 30–October 31,
2012
Reception, Sunday,
September 9, 2–4 pm
Werner says of her work, “The dress form has been my muse for almost 20
years. Nothing captures my imagination as much as that particular shape. I find
it magical. I love the dress. I love that it symbolizes a uniquely feminine
experience. It’s easily recognizable in its function and purpose. It describes
a universal attitude as well as an individual person. The dress images are
colorful, humorous, animated and symbolic. The dress reminds me of the female
figure and sharply contrasts the endless racks of black pantsuits in the local
clothing stores; the pantsuit has become the modern female uniform. A dress can
be flirty and functional, dressy or ordinary. These paintings and drawings were
inspired by a 1955 Montgomery Wards–Spring and Summer catalog, which describes
each item with great detail, creating a scenario for each article of clothing
as if to describe the person wearing it. Not only is that nostalgic but
humorous.”
