Could the new image of a strong woman be one who is able to put forward her frailty, her intuitive intelligence and her natural understanding as a value for humanity without requiring protection?
Annouchka Brochet's new series of paintings, Vulnerable, focuses on the power of vulnerability in a woman's world. The artist repositions vulnerability within a contemporary context where inherent weakness does not mean giving up the responsibility of acting and engaging in history.
Equally, nor does this redefined vulnerability mean submitting to those who feel strong because they are in power. It is an intimacy and an openness, devoid of sexuality. Brochet's choice to depict only the faces of women prevents the projection of sexual fantasies, which would distract the viewers from the real meaning of intimate vulnerability.
It is a paradoxical vulnerability difficult to grasp in concepts and words, but one that is easy to see in her work. She effortlessly makes protagonist those women who are strong and vulnerable on stage and generous and independent in life. In this way, Annouchka Brochet is opening a window on the unknown, and asking viewers to really think about how much control they have of their own lives and how genuine is their world. The place of the unknown is a risky place; it necessitates making oneself vulnerable to discovery, letting go of control and allowing oneself to be surprised or to be wrong.
In these sanguine and passionate paintings the concept of encroachment is also very strong. For Annouchka Brochet to trespass is a concept that requires separation and borders. Her act of trespass consists in not accepting the limits set by the establishment, nor by those against the establishment, but rather in being open to all things, including our weakness and fragility.
Artist short Bio: Annouchka Brochet studied at the Kalinin Art Academy in Moscow and trained as a graphic artist at the Moscow Polygraph Institute. She has been a member of the Russian Union of Artists since 1997. For the last 8 years she has actively exhibited in Russia, including the special Parallel programs of the Moscow Biennales since 2005. In addition to exhibiting extensively in Russia, she has also had exhibitions thorough Europe and North America.