Kissing in the Dark: "The Secret Life of Blues" By FranHanover

Step back in time to an era of liberation with  Kissing in the Dark: "The Secret Life of the Blues" a solo exhibition by Fran Hanover that celebrates the bold, brassy, and sometimes downright scandalous women of the early 20th century blues scene. In a time of profound social change, the blues emerged as a soundtrack to rebellion, challenging traditional gender roles and championing women's sexual liberation.

From Georgia White's cheeky "I'll Keep Sittin' On It" to Bessie Smith's unapologetic anthem "Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl," these paintings explore the taboo topics and raw emotions that defined the blues genre. Through their lyrics, these women fearlessly confronted the injustices and inequalities of their time, leaving an indelible mark on music history and feminist discourse.

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Please Note:

While this exhibition is on view, the gallery will be closed to the public on the following dates:

• August 11th-19th: For North Bay's "On the Edge of Fringe" Festival rental.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Francis (Fran) Hanover was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and moved to Northern Ontario in the 70’s. She currently resides in Callander, Ontario.

The adopted child of German immigrants, and having re-connected with her biological family, her subjects revolve around the African diaspora in the Americas. Fran’s primary artistic focus centers on the human form and portraiture, as she finds this subject matter rich with intrigue and complexity, capable of conveying profound emotions, stories, and individual personalities through expressions, gestures, and postures. This exploration allows her to delve into themes of identity, cultural context, and the passage of time, resulting in artworks that deeply resonate with viewers on personal and universal levels. Occasionally incorporating surrealist elements, Fran transforms each portrait into a unique narrative, offering viewers a captivating canvas for exploration, interpretation, and emotional connection.

As a visual artist, Fran Hanover defied convention by cultivating her skills entirely through self-discovery and dedication, without the guidance of formal training or schooling. Drawing from a deep-seated passion for capturing the essence of human emotion and personality, Fran has honed her craft through practice and a keen observation of life around her. Her journey into visual art began with a fascination for the human portraiture and a desire to convey the stories etched into each expression. Through her self-directed exploration and education, she has produced works that translate inner worlds onto canvas, creating portraits that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. Fran’s unconventional path underscores her belief in the transformative power of art.

Striving to bridge the gap between history and identity, Fran explores a wide variety of mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and ink. Pieces may include the use of patterned textile surface, collage, glazing and processes such as cyanotype printing.  Works may, on occasion, include found objects, recycled materials, resins and epoxies. This versatility fosters a dynamic creative process, encouraging experimentation, innovation, and the synthesis of different techniques. Moreover, switching between mediums continually inspires a fresh perspective and a break from creative blocks, leading to richer, more nuanced artworks that resonate on multiple levels with viewers.

Inspired by Gaudi, Middle Eastern architecture, 19th Century Orientalism, and artists such as, Kenyan photographer, Thandiwe Muriu, South African artist, William Kentridge, and African American portrait artist, Kehinde Wiley, Fran refers to these influences as a method to continuously expand her creative visual expression. 

“Through my art, I strive to bridge the gaps of history and identity, weaving together stories that resonate with both personal introspection and universal themes of belonging and diversity. Embracing the complexities of my biological heritage and my upbringing fuels my creativity, guiding me to create works that speak to the interconnectedness of our shared human experience."