“Middle Daughter” – A Solo Exhibition by Jo Archuleta

Gallery Bogart is thrilled to announce Jo Archuleta’s “Middle Daughter”, featuring new paintings on canvas and works on paper on view from October 5th to November 30, 2024, with an opening reception October 5th from 5 to 8 pm.

The artist’s debut solo exhibition is an exploration into the complexity of identity and mythology of womanhood. The paintings with striking color and form enchant viewers into their deepening narrative.

Opening Reception 

Saturday, October  5th

5:00pm to 8:00pm

1400 Union Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64101

Artist Statement

“Middle Daughter” is an exploration into the complexity of identity and mythology of womanhood
found within leisure, desire, pleasure and the specificity as a state of being. By acknowledging rules
within the landscape of femininity, gender roles and their societal expectations, Archuleta has found
multiple approaches to transgressive and transformative definitions of these identities. Her specific
approach to this critique uses humor, jokes and satire. The small crusty dog is used as an objectifying
self identifying symbol, and a parallel to the sometimes awkward and uncomfortable experiences
within girlhood. Archuleta is interested in exploring how the figure is perceived and how she sees
herself, a constant battle between self awareness and self sabotage.
The duality of being treated as an object, but also finding worth in your own company creates tension
that the figure seeks to find solace within. Uneasiness within the color palette and subject matter is
materially driven, using texture as a tool for attraction. The figures seduce and confront nuances
within the vapidness of beauty, vanity, and ego while also using self-consciousness as repulsion. The
women in her work wear masks, perform softness, weakness, shallowness, and confidence; all while
cowering with insecurity. The work is a love letter to all middle daughters, finding autonomy in
girlhood and vulnerability.

Jo Archuleta