Patricia Underwood  Mixed Media Artist

“Bimbos and Goddesses”

This body of work examines female imagery from modern media and prehistoric matriarchal cultures. Ms. Underwood cleverly juxtaposes the two, unearthing intriguing symbolic associations between ancient and pop culture representations of women. This bold body of rich mixed media prints and paintings directly confronts difficult issues that the contemporary representations belie: objectification of women, sexual and child exploitation, eating disorders, rape, cosmetic surgery as a means to perfection, girls’ self esteem and domestic violence. In her lecture, which accompanies this show, she shares many of the late Dr. Marija Gimbutas’ fascinating insights into the symbolic meanings of the marks found on the prehistoric female figures and contrasts them with the implied meaning of our modern media images. Interesting considerations of meaning and consequences are posed to the audience for open discussion.

Known for her master of and love for materials, her work delights. The mixed media prints and painting are as visually pleasing as they are intellectually challenging. The prints are solar etched and then extensively hand colored with an array of materials, producing variable editions. The paintings are equally rich, painted on acrylic panel.

View the Mixed Media Prints

View the Paintings

Paintings