Forrest Solis reads children's books -- more specifically antiquated children's lesson books -- a little differently.
The Phoenix artist and ASU Assistant Professor of Art will be showcasing her painted reactions to these books in her latest exhibition, "Acting Out: Prescribed Lessons" at the Artlink A. E. England Gallery Oct. 1 through 25.
"At first, I was like, wow, we've
come so far, but then I thought, how far did we come?" Solis says of the books she uses in her paintings. "Seeing these and
going back in history is like getting a sense of placement. There are
these little things that creep up every now and then."
She paints images of the "prescribed lessons" next to self-portraits that she says are reflective of her own experiences as a woman and how she interprets the behavioral lessons into her current adult life.
We caught up with Solis to talk about her upcoming show and philosophies behind her artwork ...
There is this like, pool of blood on the floor, as if she cut off one of her fingers, and the way it's written is very sing-songy and very old-fashioned language. I just love the combination of teaching through fear and manipulation using this bright and pleasant imagery.
Solis' work will be in the Artlink A.E. England Art Gallery, 424 N. Central Ave., until Oct. 25. There will be an opening reception for the artist on Oct. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m.