The discussion of artist Pixy Liao's Experimental Relationship series initially caught my attention because of the inclusion of an artwork I had seen many times before, but had never known the origins or history behind it:
Fontainebleau school (late 16th century) - Presumed Portrait of Gabrielle d'Estrées and Her Sister, the Duchess of Villars (c. 1594), Musée du Louvre
The famous painting was revealed to subtly hint at a pregnancy through the sister's playful gesture of lightly pinching one of Gabrielle d'Estrées' nipples. Interestingly enough, an awareness of the need for the painting to be read and interpreted instead of merely being seen references the need for intricate thought that has accompanied art throughout the centuries. As the article progressed, it demonstrated the inspiration Liao's images took from the painting, showcasing a new focus in its subject matter, now dealing with a more contemporary stance regarding the coexistence and acceptance between man and woman.
Pixy Liao - Relationships work best when each partner knows their proper place (2008)
Pixy Liao - Start your day with a good breakfast together (2009)
Both of Liao's photographs indicate an interaction between man and woman that evidently reverse the tradition roles of authority that have long been established among the sexes. From the reference to the traditional French painting to the incorporation of a male in recognizable, misogynistic situations, the artist draws the viewer's attention to the more contemporary interactions that occur between these individuals as a result of the acknowledgement of past events. As stated by the author, the images depicted in this set of Liao's work question the possibilities of managing to work together to formally recognize the mistakes of the past and the opportunity for an improved future. Consequently, the potential discomfort that one may experience while viewing these works provides incentive to truly retain the message that Liao presents.
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