Works by Assistant Professor of Art Robert Knight is on display at Gallery Kayafas in Boston. A solo exhibition, Rated G will be on view Jan. 11 - Feb. 16. Knight will be at the gallery for receptions from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 11 and Feb. 1.
Knight describes Rated G as “a collection of photographs of childhood experiences juxtaposed with images from children’s books, teen magazines, iPad applications, excerpts from children’s films and photographs of toys.”
He said that while the children in his photos are his own and those of friends, the photos “are intended to be metaphorical images and to stand in for childhood experiences more generally.” He said his “selection of appropriated works is a representative sample of illustrations and images” he believes are “subconsciously suggestive to young minds, and which reinforce cultural norms and stereotypes.”
“Rated G looks at childhood development, including societal expectations regarding gender, race, beauty, violence and competition, in the context of some of these mass media influences. By isolating and contextualizing mass media messaging in relationship to photographs of [his] children and some of their peers,” Knight said he hopes “to draw attention to this evolving and alarming issue in our society.”
