Audio By Carbonatix
Have you heard about this thigh gap thing? Apparently, now — in addition to needing a shapely butt, toned abs, a perfect pout and perky breasts — young women are now expected to maintain a certain amount of space between their thighs. What trailblazing teenager first put down their smartphone long enough to decide the acceptable amount of space separating their upper legs? Body image gets more complex by the minute — next thing, they’ll be measuring the depth of the veins on ladies’ hands or something. It’s a cultural juggernaut, though a shameful one, this focus on what women’s bodies should look like, and artist Michelle Brandley explores its ubiquity in her latest exhibit. Upright and Do Right Make Alright at Artspace 111 (111 Hampton St., Fort Worth). The paintings juxtapose “ideal” bodies with images of elephants, recognizable snippets from pop culture, and other provocative visuals, requiring viewers to examine perceptions about their own bodies and the way they see others. The exhibit opens with a reception from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and runs through June 17. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Admission is free. Visit artspace111.com for more information.
Fri., May 9, 5-8:30 p.m.; Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Starts: May 9. Continues through June 17, 2014
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