Janet Werner is a Canadian artist known for her incisive and playful depictions of female figures. Her work raises questions about the nature of the subject in painting and the relationship between the viewer and the image.
Her figures are often solitary and introspective, and they seem to be aware of the viewer's gaze. Werner's paintings are often characterized by their use of irony and humor, and they often challenge traditional notions of femininity.
Werner's paintings are often described as being "haunting" and "enigmatic." Her subjects are often women, who are depicted in a variety of poses and settings. However, these are not portraits of real people. Instead, Werner creates her subjects by manipulating found images, such as photographs from magazines or old family snapshots.
By using found images, Werner is able to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy with her subjects. However, she also subverts this familiarity by manipulating the images in ways that are often unsettling or disturbing. For example, she may blur the faces of her subjects or alter their features in other ways. This creates a sense of distance and mystery, which prevents the viewer from fully understanding the subjects.
Werner's paintings are also about desire. Her subjects are often depicted in poses that are suggestive or provocative. However, the viewer is never allowed to fully access the desires of the subjects. This is because the subjects are always veiled or hidden in some way. This creates a sense of frustration and longing, which is a central theme in Werner's work.
Werner's work is a complex and challenging exploration of identity, desire, and the power of the image. Visit janetwerner.com or in the gallery at anatebgi.com
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