From ARTsPLACE webpages:
Incoming; 52 Ladies for Tea
a sculptural installation by Deb Wiles
"Real art exists at the frontier of what has
been explored. Because of this, it often makes people uncomfortable. A body part
whose common name can still be used as a curse definitely constitutes unexplored
territory. In consequence, Deb Wiles' exploration of the unknown regions of the
human body is art. She has treated this revelation of the unknown with respect,
as well, presenting her bronzes carefully and with due attention to aesthetics,
and with no explicit intent to shock or exploit. Despite this, her piece is
still very controversial. In a time where nothing is controversial, that is a
remarkable accomplishment."
- Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto.
After years of being exhibited online, the rising notoriety of Deb Wiles' tour
de force sculpture installation, 52 Ladies for Tea, has brought it out of cyber
space and into the sanctum of the art world. The 52 ladies touch down and take
root for a full month at ARTsPLACE, in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. For
information about the artist and her work, please visit www.debwiles.com
Deborah Wiles’ exhibition consists of fifty-two life-sized cast bronze vulvae,
each sitting atop a cushion and displayed on a pedestal. Of her work, Deborah
says “[the work] creates the opportunity for us as audience, to have our
collective shame around sexuality mirrored back to us…as a woman, activist and
artist I believe it important that we address shame as a tool of control, root
it out, and expose it for what it is.” A journal chronicling the process of
making this work will accompany the show, and audience members are encouraged to
“pen their thoughts.”
ARTsPLACE welcomes Deborah’s beautiful and daring
exhibition, and hope that the provocative nature of the work sparks dialog among
men and women of the community. ARTsPLACE invites all to the opening reception
of her exhibition, Incoming Vulvae: 52 Ladies for Tea.