Dometo Esse
December 22, 2021 11:00 am - April 17, 2022 4:00 pm
Crisis, 2019
Acrylic Paint
24” x 48”
Fashion and Beauty in the 2020 Pandemic
Dometo Esse
December 22, 2021 – April 17, 2022
Exhibition Statement
This exhibition hopes to be the voice of the average woman going through the COVID-19 pandemic by speaking to the ways she strives to conquer invisibility behind a common mask. I believe that 100 years from now much will be discussed about how fashion changed to accommodate CDC regulations and guidelines in the years 2020-2021. Women and fashion give so much flair and color to history, and art will play a central role in illustrating their place and significance during a period as remarkable as this. How did a young woman keep up her appearance during the pandemic? How was it possible for a woman to feel beautiful behind a mandatory mask? This exhibition answers these questions in vivid, saturated colors and shapes for future generations to unfold.
Bio
Dometo Esse, better known as Dede Esse, is a self-taught artist who learned many different painting techniques by watching hours of YouTube videos. Born in a small village in the West African country of Togo, her work finds inspiration in the rich culture she was born into, which can be seen through her technique of combining abstract and modern styles using bold, bright colors. To Dede, there is so much beauty lying dormant in each of us that it would be impossible to express it within just one lifetime. The purpose of her work is to inspire the viewer to come to this same awareness and discover the beauty and love they have been looking for all along.
This activity is made possible through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in cooperation with a private foundation.
The ROOTED program at Rochester Art Center is open to artists living and working in the eleven counties surrounding Rochester and showcases the most innovative and talented artists from the region. For artists who have received artist grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), Rochester Art Center provides gallery space to showcase the art by the grantee. Art Center curatorial staff provides grant application support, studio visits and exhibition space, but do not select the artists, who are chosen by SEMAC jury. ROOTED exemplifies the commitment of RAC to be a central hub for art made in Southeastern Minnesota.