Although we had never met before, when Sali Taylor opened the door with her mischievous smile, it felt like I had reunited with a long lost friend. Her studio was filled with vivid paintings of skinny hips, luscious lips & thousand year-old statues of Venus awaiting transportation to gallery nine5 where her show opens today.

A self-described “Fauxtographer”, Sali Taylor uses the sexy silhouette of Scarlett Johansson, the brutal sensuality of the Venus of Willendorf and the elegant minimalist Cycladic figurines to describe the complicated relationship women have with beauty, image and self-esteem.

As her young girls adorn their bodies with high heels and designer bags in a superficial and useless attempt to regain their sacred status, she creates a celebration of the femininity by bridging the gap between ancient symbolism of womanhood and today’s pop culture.

“Have we sold out and abandoned the power of the divine feminine in our endless pursuit of surreal perfection?” That is the question I keep asking myself as I move from one piece to the other.

Perhaps, but that is where Sali Taylor’s mastery resides; in her ability to guide us without guilt or regret towards a fresh perspective of the often-talked-but-never-resolved objectification of women (and all that while avoiding the usual pitfalls of “imitation” and “rebellion”!).

The reason I love Sali Taylor’s art as much is because of the exquisite balance of subversiveness and humor.

I tried understanding during the 2 1/2 hours we spent together, what about her made such an effect on me ~ I might have to stop pretending these are interviews and call them what they really are: conversations. Was it her spiritual presence (she is a long-time meditation practitioner) or her genuine acceptance that she (read we) encompasses ALL the women she portrays?

We decide to meet again to pursue this Pandora’s box subject. Before parting, we evoke Louise Bourgeois’ spirit and she shares this amazing quote by NY Times critic Holland Cotter : “Certain artists inspire by formal example, other by giving permission. Ms. Bourgeois is a permission-giver.”

As I leave her studio, it hits me: Sali Taylor also falls in this last category by giving all women the permission to reclaim their forgotten goddess nature while keeping (at least some of) the glamour.

We are indeed already perfect!

More Perfect ~ Sali Taylor

gallery nine5

June 11th – 25th, 2010
24 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
+1 212 965 9995
http://www.gallerynine5.com/
http://prints995.com/