“I enjoy the ‘performance’ of using myself, I EMBODY all the layers I want to express. This feels the most immediate and authentic way to express myself.” – Janne Reuss
Artist Janne Reuss. Photo: Phil Anderson
Walking into Gallery 1313 you will find a number of striking portraits of the artist, Janne Reuss. The layered photographic prints all feature her covered in various shades of blue and different veils. Her story is woven into the images as she explores not only her own identity – but also the lack of belonging that many immigrants feel subject to currently in North America.
Installation view. Photo: Phil Anderson
In the front of the gallery one of the first pieces you will see is the incredibly affecting “One-Act”. The striking print layers dark and light shades of blue as she looks away from the camera and allows all the conflicting aspects of her identity to intertwine.
Janne Reuss, One-Act, 2015, 68 x 90 cm. Courtesy of the artist
When you move to the back of the exhibition there is a small room where fewer portraits intimately sit. The beautiful “Quiet Please” has already sold two prints, and it’s no question why. Reuss’ face is almost completely obscured by the stunning layers of blue, but she still manages to make a strong connection with the viewer demanding thought and contemplation.
Janne Reuss, Quiet Please, 2015, 72 x 90 cm. Courtesy of the artist
Amazingly despite all the pieces being strongly connected through their various shades of blue and portraits of the artist they all manage to be wonderful and engaging on their own individual merits. Like the thread of the veils each piece weaves together the different aspects of the artist’s identity as an immigrant and as a woman.
Installation view. Photo: Phil Anderson
Rhiann Moore
*Exhibition information: September 30 – October 11, 2015, Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen Street West, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sun, 1 – 6 p.m.