In her latest series of works titled Invagination, currently on show at Visual Voice Art Gallery, Montreal artist Melanie Matthews questions the traditional notions of the feminine. Fusing anatomical imagery with decorative elements and illustration, Matthews re-contextualizes the female body and challenges the male gaze.

Matthews’ mixed media works are irreverent and playful, juxtaposing visual elements in humorous, even absurd ways. The imagery focuses on depictions of the female body, ranging from idealized portraits to candid scientific illustrations. For example, Matthews layers anatomical drawings of female genitalia over flowery household fabrics upholstered into headboards; line illustrations of heart valves are superimposed on richly textured, vividly painted wooden surfaces.

As poignant as her imagery is the selection of materials the artist incorporates in her work. Blurring the boundaries between the mundane and the precious, Matthews works with surfaces such as wood, peg-board, plexiglass, and a gamut of textiles.

Matthew’s charming deadpan delivery subtly queries our assumptions of gender.

Visual Voice Art Gallery, space 421
Melanie Matthews
Invagination
July 19 – August 4, 2012
www.visualvoicegallery.com