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New Exhibition Alert: Kissing in the Dark: "The Secret Life of Blues"
Step back in time to an era of liberation with Kissing in the Dark: "The Secret Life of the Blues" a solo exhibition by Fran Hanover that celebrates the bold, brassy, and sometimes downright scandalous women of the early 20th-century blues scene. In a time of profound social change, the blues emerged as a soundtrack to rebellion, challenging traditional gender roles and championing women's sexual liberation.
From Georgia White's cheeky "I'll Keep Sittin' On It" to Bessie Smith's unapologetic anthem "Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl," these paintings explore the taboo topics and raw emotions that defined the blues genre. Through their lyrics, these women fearlessly confronted the injustices and inequalities of their time, leaving an indelible mark on music history and feminist discourse
Kissing in the Dark: "The Secret Life of Blues" will be on display until Tuesday, Aug. 30.
OPENING RECEPTION:
Thursday, August 1 @ 6:00 pm in the WKP Kennedy Gallery
Join us to celebrate the opening reception of Fran Hanover's solo exhibition: 'Kissing in the Dark: The Secret Life of the Blues'.
This reception will be a speakeasy-themed party, so attendees are encouraged to wear their finest 1920s-1940s attire! Think flapper and/or dapper!!!
This event also includes a cash bar + complimentary hors d'oeuvres for all to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you there!
“Last year, Fran Hanover participated in the Capitol Centre Blues Fest's "Clash of the Canvas" painting competition,” explains Jennifer Allison, the Director/Curator of the WKP Kennedy Gallery. “The audience had the opportunity to vote for the winner. We are thrilled to announce that Fran was awarded the top prize: a solo exhibition in 2024. Over the past year, Fran has worked diligently to create a cohesive body of work to share with our WKP community.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Francis (Fran) Hanover was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and moved to Northern Ontario in the 70’s. She currently resides in Callander, Ontario.
The adopted child of German immigrants, and having re-connected with her biological family, her subjects revolve around the African diaspora in the Americas. Fran’s primary artistic focus centers on the human form and portraiture, as she finds this subject matter rich with intrigue and complexity, capable of conveying profound emotions, stories, and individual personalities through expressions, gestures, and postures.
“Through my art, I strive to bridge the gaps of history and identity, weaving together stories that resonate with both personal introspection and universal themes of belonging and diversity. Embracing the complexities of my biological heritage and my upbringing fuels my creativity, guiding me to create works that speak to the interconnectedness of our shared human experience."
As a visual artist, Fran Hanover defied convention by cultivating her skills entirely through self-discovery and dedication, without the guidance of formal training or schooling. Drawing from a deep-seated passion for capturing the essence of human emotion and personality, Fran has honed her craft through practice and a keen observation of life around her. Her journey into visual art began with a fascination for the human portraiture and a desire to convey the stories etched into each expression. Through her self-directed exploration and education, she has produced works that translate inner worlds onto canvas, creating portraits that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. Fran’s unconventional path underscores her belief in the transformative power of art.