issue_5_sheshersubject
She's Her Subject
The art of Lena Viddo and the photography of Darren Keith
Daring to go beyond the confines of normality -- blurring boundaries between fantasy and actuality, Lena Viddo redefines originality, pushing for a different kind of reality. Viddo’s art is bold – it’s daring. She is a critic of modern life. Her allegorical portraits and mindscapes consistently tackle materialism, greed, power and our fascination with celebrity. She questions mankind’s evolution into modern-day society, often portraying man no different than beast. She is constantly questioning man’s biological tendency: domination, seduction, submission and survival. But her symbolism lies in the coexistence between these natural tendencies and modern-day realities.
The Swedish-Columbian, classically trained artist often expresses though paint; however, she also works with three-dimensional ready-mades, as well as with film and digital photography. Juggling two very different worlds, Viddo finds inspiration in the lustful, sassy, sinful streets of New York City, as well as in the raw, remote, and in some way primitive, wild part of Vermont.
“My work is highly detailed, extremely labor-intensive and time consuming because of its conceptual, stylistic & referential nature. Behind every painting there is allegory, social critique, a bearing to witness of our cruel and unusual world, and all the while considering aspects of psychology, pop culture and relationship.”
Viddo’s work intercepts where nature meets cruelty, testing our biological destiny. She evokes emotions, feelings, commanding an attention to something we may have never given thought to before.
“I think it is important for the viewer to draw her own meaning and inferences when interfacing with the work. Sometimes I want it to be serious, but I also think, humor and whimsy are important as in the end, what do any of us really know in this crazy menagerie we find ourselves in?”
text by: Yevgeniya Yelkina