The Perils of Penelope Pitstop

For the purposes of this project Penelope (follow this link for full series) I have worked with a female masker, (a man who transforms into a female character using latex) to re-create a popular childhood fiction inspired by adult sadomasochistic fantasy. The process of 'masking' is not considered 'trans' it is a more fetishised role play. We have re-created the classic scene of the helpless maiden tied to the railway tracks in the tradition of Mabel Norman's performance in the 1913 'Race for a Life' and Betty Hutton, 1947. Penelope is now a man who wants to possess a woman in another way and he choses to tie himself to the tracks in an act of empathy with the stereotype but whilst placing himself in danger he is acknowledging feelings of suicide, self harm and need for rescue.

The Perils of Penelope Pitstop was a spinoff from Wacky Races, which features Penelope as the lead character. Penelope is a traditional damsel in distress. Her catchphrase is "Help, help!" She displays a curious combination of ingenuity and helplessness but when her male nemesis (The Hooded Claw) grabs her, she is incapable of doing anything other than yelling for help. In the tradition of these scenes, the very protagonist that placed her in danger is in disguise and is in fact her kind and wise guardian. It is easy to be blinded by the stereotype of the helpless female but the 'man' is presented with equal prejudice. The nemesis character is portrayed as duplicitous with a hidden agenda, driven by primal instincts of greed, suppressed sexual desire and aggression, which Penelope does not or does not want to see, she trusts and loves him. Perhaps it is the ultimate fantasy to consider ourselves to be the perpetrator, rescuer and victim? See Drama Triangle 

Penelope_8313, from series 'Penelope' © Richard Ansett

Penelope_8490, from series 'Penelope' © Richard Ansett

Penelope_8492, from series 'Penelope' © Richard Ansett

From ' The Perils of Penelope Pitstop'

Mabel Norman from 'Race for Life' © Unknown

Pareidolia

noun/

The imagined perception of a pattern or meaning where it does not actually exist, as in considering the moon to have human features or Jesus in a potato chip.

My new piece, a 1.6 meter blown up section taken from the series 'Doll’s House' will be exhibited with the original image_4605 (see below) and presented with a free limited edition postcard at the Uncertain States exhibition at The Bank Gallery.

“This is not an arsehole. It is a photographic facsimile, of a rubber facsimile, of an arsehole.”

More work in progress images and statement here: Richard Ansett Editions

It should be a great night celebrating UCS's 5 years of supporting and collaborating with some very interesting artists, many of whom will be there. Photography is unique as an art form; exhibitions almost invariably are FREE. Free exhibit, free wine and meet the artists?! Why would you not come!

ALL WELCOME. NO PREJUDICE.

Private View: Thursday 13^th November 6:30 – 9:00pm

The Bank Gallery, Central House, 59-63 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7PF

RSVP to: mary_george@icloud.com

Image_4605, from series Doll's House © Richard Ansett 2013

Viewing vinyl test © Tim Bennett 2014