Genuine Imitation Gallery Presents: HISTRIONIC : Photographs by Alicia J. Rose. Opening at Everett Station Lofts #116: First Thursday, 5 June 2003, 6-9pm. Featuring guest DJ Chris Funk. Show Closing: 27 June 2003. Everett Station Lofts, 328 NW Broadway #116, Portland, Oregon 97209

Over the past 10 years, Rose has been making her mark discreetly as a 35mm and medium format portraiteer for rock groups and eccentric humanoids. Histrionic is an ongoing portrait study of women immersed in the various degrees of histrionic behavior - as it was diagnosed in the earlier part of the 20the century. What was once considered a condition worthy of institutionalization is now embraced behavior in modern society - or is it?

Accordionatrix cum photo surrealist Alicia J. Rose (aka Miss Murgatroid) presents her debut public showing at Genuine Imitation Gallery. Over the past 10 years, Rose has been making her mark discreetly as a 35mm and medium format portraiteer for rock groups and eccentric humanoids. Histrionic is an ongoing portrait study of women immersed in the various degrees of histrionic behavior - as it was diagnosed in the earlier part of the 20the century. What was once considered a condition worthy of institutionalization is now embraced behavior in modern society - or is it? Rose combines her bizarre visual sense with rich color and the exploding personality of her subjects to reveal a vibrant view of the beauty and conflict between the female mind and body.

Artists Statement:
Histrionic came from the seed of an idea I have toyed with many times over the years. I have always thought that if I had been born 50 years earlier that the things I feel blessed with today -- ambition, drive, dark wit, passion, inexplicable eccentricity, the proclivity to play the accordion in a very strange way, would have had me institutionalized. The things that make me unique, powerful and whole in the present would have been my scarlet letter in the past. Histrionic focuses on an array of personality types that in their extreme form were considered to be worthy of a padded cell. The women I chose to represent these extremes -- tempestuous, theatrical, vivacious, infantile, and disingenuous -- are all tremendous characters whom I know and love. Beautiful, vivid, bizarre, fantastic women who struck me as the kind of ladies I would inevitably be sharing a rubber room with. My intent with these portraits was to bring out the hysteria, magnetism and beauty of each woman with particular creative attention and focus on each as a complete and rare personality."

The portraits in Histrionic feature some of Portlands fanciest vixens -- electronic diva Jennifer Folker of Dahlia (theatrical), ground-breaking choreographer/dancer and artist Linda K. Johnson (tempestuous), emotionally vivid writer and rattle collector Marny Spoons (infantile) and other absolutely amazing ladies.

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Genuine Imitation Gallery upcoming events:
July 2003: Artist: Joesph Kincher
Music by: DJ Miss Martini
Evenings swing effortlessly when socialite and hostess DJ Miss Martini dons her party hat. Graciously she pulls from her valise of vinyl a mix of cerebral lounge and sonic refreshments that would make Greil Marcus tap his foot and miss his bedtime. Whether putting together an impromptu beach party in Honolulu, loosening up an industry crowd in Los Angeles, or giving a warm evening at home in Portland, party-goers always maneuver for invitations.

August 2003: Artist: Jason Greene
Jason picked up a small, plastic animal and it asked him, What are you looking at? Why are you interested in me? Who do you think you are?" It was this tiny object that helped him to understand his humanity. It was Play that explained his role in it, and Art saw the whole thing. Objects and experiences often ask Jason similar questions, and his paintings record such interactions.
Live Music by Ainu & Roshi