DELILAH MONTOYA : The New Warriors
A recent exhibition at MOMA’s PS1, Body Armor, featured four women artists that conveyed expressions of power and identity, through their garments, or objects worn, to define femininity. This exhibition coincided with the current #MeToo movement, which will be one of many in the future to address this cultural phenomenon.
Delilah Montoya’s photographs were represented in this PS1 show. The series featured was her notable New Warriors series, a document of female boxers from the Southwest. PDNB Gallery is exhibiting these photographs this November-December.
It is a rather momentous time in America, not to be ignored. Imagine the slow, but sure progress of women. For example, in sports, Title IX gave women more equality in sports. Women’s boxing became a reality in the sports world when the International Women’s Boxing Federation (IWBF) formed in 1992.
Montoya sees these women as malcriada’s, defined as an ill-mannered servant or bad girl. In her interpretation, the boxers are going against the rules of the female profile. These women dictate what they desire. The young women, who lead many roles, as mother, wife, employee and athlete, find time to pursue their dream to be a professional boxer. Their serious participation involves daily workouts in the gym, taking hits like a man, and building muscles and endurance.
What motivates them to participate in such a male dominated sport? There are a multitude of reasons. Like men, these women are competitive. Like men, they love the one-on-one action sport. Like men, they want to be strong. But unlike men, they have to fight harder to be taken seriously.
Delilah’s photographs, although executed between 2003-2005, contribute to our currently challenged perception of womanhood.
PAUL SOKAL : Before iPhone
The aroma of cookies baking in the oven is that familiar scent that conjures memories of your childhood. Suddenly you remember your mom (or dad) pulling the cookies out of the oven, and you are standing there, ready to devour that first warm confection.
Paul Sokal has been collecting old relics from his childhood, and not too recent past. These objects are his subject matter for this series, Before iPhone. Like that scent of baking cookies, these objects from a time machine trigger memories of the analog culture many of us grew up with. Sokal states, “The pace of life was more patient and communication was spoken face to face, rather than texted across a room, when it was easier to connect across the dining table than across the world.”
In a studio setting, Sokal places these archetypal relics against a stark white background. The resulting photograph is presented in a large color print. The 1960’s “Princess” model telephone has a vibrant yellow color that was much a part of Pop culture. Seen in a large size, it is even more vivid and eye-catching.
Recently this series was exhibited at the Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas. This is the first time Paul Sokal’s photographs have been exhibited at PDNB Gallery. Sokal was born in 1953 and grew up in Williamsville, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. Since a 25-year hiatus pursuing his medical career, he has been actively working in photography, receiving recognition through various local and national juried shows.
DELILAH MONTOYA : The New Warriors
PAUL SOKAL : Before iPhone
November 17 – December 29, 2018
Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery (PDNB Gallery)
154 Glass St., Ste. 104
Dallas, TX 75207
