June 5th-28th
Check out Nancy Guppy’s take on this show on King 5’s “New Day NW”
Both Sam Dewey (painter) and Adair Freeman Rutledge (photographer) use their art to question cultural traditions that affect women.
Dewey offers a dreamy escape into memory and introspection through representational landscape and portrait art that transcends the confines of reality. Dewey’s portraits depict people in attire and poses from other eras and evoke a nostalgic response while undermining both period and contemporary cultural norms. Dewey’s larger portraits often feature figures in elaborate period attire, often with unrecognizable faces, exploring the root and meaning of beauty and confining gender roles. By infusing the portraits with an atmospheric quality, Dewey delves into the inner worlds of her subjects, forging an emotional tie that goes beyond mere physical likeness.
Adair Freeman Rutledge is a photographer based in Seattle. Her series, The Royals, questions enduring traditions and underscores tensions between cultural practices and modern realities. Rutledge travels to far-flung places documenting girls and women receiving awards at such events as the Sequim Irrigation Festival, Queen of the Forest in Mason County, and the Sedro-Woolley Rodeo. Through a curious and feminist lens, she examines how American customs influence expectations for our youth, shape gender roles, and impact racial stereotypes.
To purchase any of these pieces, please contact Chatwin Arts directly at info@chatwinarts.com, and we would be happy to help you.