The exhibit, “Counterpoise” is a collection of self-portraits. Born in childhood, the works celebrate a persistent curiosity. This timelessness is evoked in neoclassical dreamscapes.
Standing against expectations and restrictions the images close long open circles. They honor aspirations, be they an expression of identity or fleeting fascinations.
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Inquiries: brian.dennis.art@gmail.com
Counterpoise
Other Works of Self
a collaboration between
Keith R. Breitfeller &
Brian David Dennis.
As a child, I had a fascination with my parents' wedding picture. I was especially attracted to my mother's dress. It was in the attic in a cedar chest. One day, around age 7 I crept up to the attic and lovingly pulled out the dress. No sooner had I gotten it up my waist than I heard my mother exclaim, ”What do you think you're doing”! I blushed in shame as the dress was returned to the chest.
During Covid, when there was much time for reflection I remembered this moment. I thought it would be fun to recreate this fantasy. I found the dress still existed but needed to be located. It was found, and the fantasy was fulfilled after 63 years.
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-Keith R. Breitfeller
Selected Self Portraits by
Brian David Dennis
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These heroic self-portraits hover between cosplay and self-realization.
They are a confluence of influences: Maxfield Parrish and surreal fantasy. The poses are borrowed from physique magazines of the 1940s and 50s. Most of the publications were targeted towards gay men. They were steeped in art history and athletic references to legitimize displaying the male figure.