The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

NUDE, faceless figures, with disproportional hips, thighs, breasts, and legs protest the Bahamian and global standard of beauty for women through the eyes of artist Sue Katz's. Her Body's of Eve exhibition is currently on display at the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

By using her collages of the female form, it was Katz's intention to spark a discourse on body image, something she said many people confront too little.

"As you view the collages you would see that the figures were not made to look like a model. I intentionally made some of them with big stomachs, or big thighs, legs and small waists. Everyone has something they do not like about themselves. There are some women that feel very uncomfortable with their bodies and I think it is very important to get people to think talking about image," she told Tribune Arts.

Katz was inspired by the thought of taking on a subject matter not usually expressed in artwork locally.

"There are not that many art shows done locally on the human figure. I thought I should do a show with just woman models. I know it might not be some people's cup of tea but I want people to get them use to looking at things differently and I think people appreciated other forms of art," she said.

Sue Katz has always enjoyed drawing the human figure, and has always been fascinated with colours. For Body's of Eve she constantly experimented with different techniques.

"I basically used collage in the same way that I would to create a painting. By layering many colors and patterns, I move through the process of creating until I reach the final expression on paper. Very often, I'll combine other mediums such as acrylic or crayon to add an extra depth and richness. I love collage because it affords me the freedom to use whatever papers, fabrics or anything else that I might find fun and interesting," said Katz.

"My first idea when I start a new piece is not about capturing just the image, but more about creating a mood and being able to use color and texture in a new way. I love using strong, bright hues in unusual places. Painting a model blue or a pineapple purple keeps my artistic energy and spirit flowing and taking this artistic license helps to keep my work fresh," she said.

Susan Katz, a native Bostonian, has been living in the Bahamas for the past seventeen years.