Kara Mia Fenoglietto at Shift Gallery through January 26, 2019
Peggy Murphy
Kara Mia Fenoglietto designs and constructs clothes. In her exhibit Wallflower, she uses this prodigious talent to comment on the anxiety and oppressiveness of feminine fashion all the while teasing and tempting us with the allure of beauty and a dose of playfulness.
Everywhere is glimmer, transparency and texture – replete with exquisite and unexpected details. Here a trio of outfits are indelicately squished between plexiglass as a ruffle, hem and belt attempt an escape. A mannequin is engulfed in a transparent quilted wrap and a similar rectangular quilted piece entombs a selection of flowers. A brocade boudoir ensemble (bedding included!) strain from the wall, and one of a jaunty couple go gardening in purple plush pants. All is a sumptuous feast for the eyes. It is both seductive and claustrophobic- which may be getting to the point. But Fenoglietto has a light touch. The visual delight and subtle humor deliver the message in a lighthearted and ethereal way. Perhaps she is also allowing us our own indulgence in fantasy and sensuality and giving us permission to ditch our dreary denim.