Project details
The Martha series explores relics of ‘First Ladies’ such as Martha Washington and Martha Jefferson. Through these paintings, references to white womanhood are critically examined alongside the construction and perpetuation of historical memory.
in 2024, a solo exhibition by the artist Lauren Frances Adams at Anchorlight in Raleigh focused on the presentation of the Martha series, and other works created over the past two years.
Mannerisms presents twelve paintings spanning two distinct series (Martha and Disordered Tradition) that contemplate the connections between ornament and power. The Disordered Tradition series juxtaposes interior painted decorations from ancient Italian sites with the facades of prominent neoclassical American buildings. Some of those buildings include Monticello and Mount Vernon, the homes of Martha Jefferson and Martha Washington. The title for this series is derived from an executive order issued by President Trump, Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, which sought to mandate classical design principles for new federal buildings.
Mannerisms opens up the potential for shaping meaning through the reimagination of public symbols of authority and gentility.
