Bind. Damsels in Distress: a Vancouver Artist’s opinion on our present-day princesses By Stephanie Trembath ancer, obesity, addiction, and self- f image issues are not usually on the list of things one would associate with ideas of “happily ever after,” or what children wish to be when they “grow up.” For children, the world is innocent and limitless; aspirations to be Spider-Man or The Little Mermaid are possible, and living in a gingerbread house or riding in a pumpkin carriage appear to be fantastic ideas. Children reside in a place where magic and dreams are alive, whereas adults realize the truth of the world and overcome the setbacks of society. My own obsession with the fantastical led me to the latest art exhibit at the Buschlen Mowatt Gallery showcasing the famous Disney Princesses idolized during childhood. The artist used the princesses in juxtaposed social situations of our present day; creating an emphasis on the dreams of youth versus the realities of our world. The Buschlen Mowatt Gallery, founded in 1979, specializes in modern and contemporary art and is known for showcasing up-and-coming talent. Dina Goldstein is one of Vancouver’s well known artists, her exhibit called Fallen Princesses focuses on fairytales stripped of the typical “happily ever after” endings, and instead portrays the characters with more realistic outcomes that are relatable to current social situations. The princesses are hardly what you would call “damsels in distress,” rather, they appear to have given up on Prince Charming and settled for being alone. Dina Goldstein’s representation of “Dina Goldstein’s representation of princesses is not a pretty one, or something you would buy to hang on your child’s wall. Rather, it portrays the fairytale characters in situations that are almost desperate, and quite realistically sad.” princesses is not a pretty one, or something you would buy to hang on your child’s wall. Rather, it portrays the fairytale characters in situations that are almost desperate, and quite realistically sad. As a result of her own children’s obsession with Disney, Goldstein looked at the evolving female figure and societal issues and applied them to eight of the classic fairy tale characters, creating artwork that was described best by The Georgia Straight as “cynical realism.” The shift in feminism clearly inspired Goldstein in her work, as no heroic male individuals are present in her photos. In her portrait “Snow White,” Prince Charming sits with a beer in hand and chips in his lap watching TV while Snow white juggles two screaming babies. Instead of rescuing her from the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince takes on the role of a lazy husband and Snow White appears to be a desperate house wife. The picture illustrates stereotypical ideals concerning the relationship of marriage; one where the hero (a.k.a. husband) works all day and comes home to rest, whereas the “damsel in distress” (wife) is left to deal with the housework and children. Likewise, Goldstein’s photograph of Cinderella features the princess sitting alone at a bar; a shot of tequila in one white gloved hand with a bunch of sloppy looking men surrounding her. Goldstein’s representation of men in her images completely opposes the “knights in shining armour” motif created in fairy tales. Self esteem, addiction, and distortion were other topics that Goldstein chose to influence her work. In her portrait “Beauty” Goldstein chose Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and placed her on a surgeons table dolled up in her gold ball gown and gloves; the character is being cut up and re-made into a more physically desirable image by society’s standards. Goldstein’s choice in representing Belle reflects upon the superficialities and problems concerning image that surround women of our society and the idealized “beauty” that all women strive to resemble, and in some cases, become almost painfully addicted toin their | struggle to look a certain way. In opposition, the portrait depicting Little Red Riding hood displayed a little girl carrying a large basket full of fast food. McDonald’s cups and bags of burgers and donuts filled Little Red’s basket, insinuating our society’s growing problem with health and obesity. One of the most moving portraits in the gallery was that of Rapunzel, who had let down her hair permanently and unfortunately. The long locks that were meant to hang from a tower were splayed on a white hospital bed, and the shorn- headed Princess stood nearby clutching an IV drip. Goldstein’s choice in representing chemotherapy was both creative and devastating. Her representation of the princesses was that of a confident and single woman; especially Princess Jasmine who wore a purple camouflaged dress and held a large M-16 rifle in the middle of desert warfare. In doing this Goldstein eliminated the need for a man to make women feel complete and happy, but also allowed for more realistic issues concerning our world to ensue. Owing that Goldstein’s photographs highlight controversial issues, there has been conflict surrounding some of her depictions of the Princesses that pertain to stereotyping and race. However, Goldstein’s cynical and creative outlook on female figures in society in contrast to the fairytales that all little girls idolize as children is something that should not be missed. Her exhibit runs at the Buschlen Mowatt Gallery in Vancouver until November 15. Cheap hope By Jennifer Markham On my way home, or what fragments are left behind after my step sister’s semi truck and trailer of a love life, ploughed through. I saw the sign, the sign for Hope. I was so tempted to go there. Keep driving, see if they have any. Do you think they sell it? Like cheap souvenirs maybe, in clear plastic Tupperware containers. “It’s there, invisible” they say, “You just have to believe!” I wonder if they discount the overcharged rate, if you’re buying for a family member? Because I believe. I do. I believe she can save herself, retire the trucking business by letting him go. wee OLE you a budding poet? Submit your work to arts@ theotherpress ca to see your work in print! :