Ferrouge's paintings investigate the specific dynamics of girlhood, and speak to art’s more broad and most fundamental purpose—to describe what it’s like to be human. —Shana Nys Dambrot Los Angeles, 2024 Los Angeles Art Association presents Girls in the Mirror, a solo exhibition with new paintings by Christine Ferrouge. Ferrouge's work examines girlhood via careful observation of her three daughters. Based on a series of moments in front of a bathroom mirror, these large paintings reveal a timely girl-centric narrative about self-image. Identity is a frequent area of exploration in Ferrouge's work. In Girls in the Mirror, a variety of personal and social connotations are brought to the surface. The mirror is a place of personal invention and discovery. The paintings conjure fond memories of "getting ready" with sisters or friend, but the age-old act of primping can also lead to narcissism or feelings of inadequacy. Keenly aware of her predecessors, Ferrouge's paintings comment on the history of oil painting itself in how she uses the medium and presents the girls. Her contemporary style and application of paint celebrates drawing and abstract rendering, with exposed brushwork, calculated negative spaces, and bold strokes of color. In these impactful, enveloping paintings, the viewer participates as another witness amongst the artist and her three subjects. The scale and command of each young figure is unlike the docile commodities that women have commonly embodied. Girls in the Mirror provokes many conversations for art and contemporary society, but Ferrouge's perspective on girlhood is clear: the paintings are hopeful, dignifying, and respectful of the powerful young women-to-be. This portrayal of girlhood beckons us into a new era of female representation. Opening Reception Saturday, August 10th, 3-5pm Catalog Release and Conversation with Shana Nys Dambrot Saturday August 17th, 3pm Los Angeles Art Association Artists' Walkthrough Saturday August 24th, 2pm Gallery 825, Los Angeles Art Association 825 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Gallery hours are by appointment and the staff are usually at the gallery. Please call 310.652.8272 or visit www.laaa.org.