“In/Out,” photography. Lynette Astaire reveals a quirky imagination in the photographs of “In/Out.” Her posed subjects look comical in these colorful and striking images. Astaire shoots stylized portraits that tell a story. Though they seem like spoofs on pop culture Astaire says her photographs are multi-layered depictions of cultural, historical and musical references—sometimes all in a single portrait. Much of the artist’s personal history can be seen in the captured faces of her subjects; “Stigmata” and “Hail Mary” both portray the influence of Astaire’s catholic education. The photographs of women are all sensual and spiritual, while Astaire’s male subjects are fully clothed and depicted in a less capricious fashion. It is Astaire’s portraits of women that are the most bold and striking with “Riding the White Horse” and “Death by Pop Rocks” standing out among them. Astaire shows eleven portraits at Marwen as an alumnus of the youth art program. Her international success is very exciting for Marwen, which is a program that serves underprivileged children through artistic endeavors. (Rachel Turney)
Through July 25 at MARWEN, 833 N. Orleans St., (312)944-2418.
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