October 2002
Hello Blythe exhibition |
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| Blythe dolls |
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Whether perched amongst a pile of
oranges or strolling elegantly through the streets of London, Blythe
is here.
Review by Matt Davenport
A NTU Platform article
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Meticulously choreographed portraits surround the
gallery.
Whether perched amongst a pile of oranges or strolling elegantly through
the streets of London, Blythe is here.
Caught on camera and shot as if human, this enigmatic series of photographs
narrate the story and adventures within the life of Blythe.
Gina Garan has bestowed this one-foot tall
plastic doll with an amazing lifestyle. She first laid eyes upon Blythe
on the e-bay auction website, a blonde scruffy haired one with grubby
legs.
From that moment forth Garan purchased as many Blythe dolls as she
could get her hands on, it became some what an obsession for her.
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| Blythe doll in situ |
Inspired by the nostalgic toys of the 1970's, Gina
Garan began to shoot Blythe Like a human model.
Maintaining a real-life setting and hiding any toy-like features from
view, Garan transforms what we know is a doll into a convincing emotional
character.
She often finds even herself talking to the doll, apologising for
placing her in such compromising positions.
Upon first impression, the imagery appears
to be intended for children. In spite of this, the playful sense of
nostalgia fascinates every generation, as you can almost rediscover
your childhood through this human mirror.
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| Blythe doll in situ |
As Blythe goes through her daily exploits, in diverse
situations, one consistent theme remains strong, the change in her
eye colour and clothes.
It's unbelievable to think that just a doll with a moulded face can
change so dramatically.
By way of an adroit use of colour employed by the artist, Blythe can
emit and evoke a huge range of emotion.
She comes equipped with one exceptionally significant feature, namely
a draw string at the back of her head. This quality enables the owner
to change the colour of her eyes from blue, green and brown to orange,
creating this impression of mood and emotion.
She can look romantic, anxious, cute, sexy, innocent, the list goes
on and it's this human like portrayal which provides Blythe with a
profound universal appeal. She is a free- spirit who can do anything
and everything. We can all relate to the activities she undertakes.
Thousands of Japanese fans are buying up vintage or present day Blythe
dolls. Her Manga cartoon-like features have ensured her to be a big
hit in Japan.
However, as Blythe receives more and more coverage, I expect her global
cultural appeal will become apparent. Stunningly envisioned work.
Hello Blythe runs at the Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University,
until October 19. Alternatively you can visit Blythe's website at
www.thisisblythe.com. |
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