The swimsuit is more than just a waterproof trunk for artists Jennie Pry and Ernie Salerno.
Their Beach Baby exhibition takes a look into the expressions of identity in Australia’s beach culture through painted collages and sculptures depicting women’s and men’s swimsuits from the 1930s to the 1960s.
“The bathing suits reveal particular moments in time from a past era that represent stages in women’s and men’s lives,” Ms Pry said.
The swimsuits are depicted with a background of maps, pictures from children’s books and sewing patterns as if to speak on behalf of the people who wore them.
“Through the suits and trunks, we are drawn to understand more about the women and men who wore them, their body shape, their feelings about themselves, how they wanted to expose themselves and we can even imagine something about their lives, their intrigues, hopes and aspirations,” Ms Pry said.
Beach Baby is not the first artistic encounter Ms Pry has had with the swimsuit. In 2009, the Australian National Maritime Museum made her their first Artist-in-Residence during the national exhibition: Exposed! The History of Australian Swimwear.
“In my work, style doesn’t mean that much; it’s not that important, it’s little more than a particular artistic attitude that can be translated into different media, linguistic forms and visual solutions,” Mr Salerno said.
As with Ms Pry’s paintings, Mr Salerno’s bronze sculptures of Australian beach bodies are his way of exploring identity.
“I’m simply a figurative artist seeking to offer a visual insight into the individual’s quest for dignity and identity, and in this regard I’m interested in form, shape, movement and space,” he said.
Beach Baby will be held at Salerno Gallery Glebe from November 15to December 3.
By Kristie Beattie
