Gender Portraits

Christa Palazzolo's depicts her own version of famous women in her "Talking Heads Series" (oil and acrylic paintings). Seemingly inspired by models, I appreciate the modern twist, but can't help but think most of these women look sexy, strong, and perhaps a bit clueless (and some oddly enough, resemble Tiger's mistresses).

Yet these paintings are made by a female artist (and I do think they're is something interesting about them), but still seem to fit in a Gossip Girl's box. I wonder what a alternate interpretation of these women would look like. However the artist's intent may be an ironic and comic commentary on how our current media lens may contort history.

It reminds me of Marvel's recent attempt to attract more female readers with their new special edition series, Marvel Divas, that connects the lives of four superheroes: Patsy "Hellcat" Walker; Felicia "Black Cat" Hardy; Angelica "Firestar" Jones; and Monica "Photon" Rambeau, and involves female cartoonists from Amanda Conner to Molly Crabapple to bring these divas to life. I have yet to read the series, but the name 'Diva' for a superhero series about women speaks volumes.

I need to find new archetypes.