“Las Benditas de Key West” by Michael Philip shows throughout the month of February at the Studios of Key West. This exhibition honors twenty-one women chosen because of their active involvement in the community.
Michael with two of the 21 Benditas or ‘blessed ones’. Click on Michael to go to his website.
These twenty-one portraits have a few things in common. They are done in Cubist Moderne style with Basquiat inspired open mouths and blank eyes. The nose and hovering breast pay homage to Picasso.
The order in which the images are encountered is interesting. First we meet them in their least recognizable but most expressive depiction.
These portraits hang on both sides of the upstairs hallway of the Studios. Click on the image to go to The Studios Key West website.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that the sides of all paintings have been colored red. Michael chose the color deliberately, inspired by the red soles of Louboutin shoes – also seen as a glimpse, an afterthought. These unmistakable icons of femininity, status, and power, give the illusion that the red carpet has rubbed off on the soles – like fairy dust.
Speaking of red, judging from the red dots, I estimate that 80% have been purchased, likely by the subject or family of the work.
Michael balks at the suggestion that these are “vanity” portraits instead he prefers to see the portraits as homage to the patron saints of of Key West- women who contribute time energy and resources to the community. Michael speaks of his subjects with deep affection and cautions that “to whom much is given, much is required”. He views his paintings as his way of honoring them.
At the front wall is the figure that inspired the exhibition.
And the inscription.
Around the corner, we come upon a bank of photographs of these same women done in recognizable style. Traditionally pretty, yet they remain distant and iconic figures.
This is a view from a fan – less accessible, lost in time (black & white) signed like something mailed to a stranger or seen on the wall of an Italian restaurant.
Finally, facing on the wall opposite the black & white photographs a commercial and glossy montage of these same women; a modern collage suitable for a magazine or advertorial.
Although sleek, this rendition depicts a present tense accessible view of these women in familiar surroundings with the trappings of domestica.
Depicting the women three ways provides context, perspective, depth.
Take the time to see these remarkable images and see if you recognize any of them. Despite the non-representational style, Michael Philip claims that “they’ll recognize themselves by their hair.” But I think he manages to break through the exterior, capturing the women through expression, totem, gesture as well as hair.
These paintings capture a moment in time on this small island – Las Benditas de Key West – powerful matriarchal figures of Key West circa 2011.
Such an inspired exhibit, Michael. Energetic, personal, sensitive. There’s such a buzz going on about this!
Michael’s talent just continues to grow with execution and depth. You can see the care and thought behind each painting. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Congratulations, Michael.
It looks like you had great fun with these portraits. The photo montage wall is cool too.
Nice article about your work.
I love your inclusion of the black & white and color photos in this piece. They show the inspired way that Michael’s glimpse into the souls of these women reflects their essence.
I did like it better before I learned “Bendita” was not a female bandit.
But what a great experience with Michael!
Michael, you are so very creative. You continue to amaze me and inspire me to search for more deper meanings.