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Sometime After Midnight by Marko Stout

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:49:39 MST

"Sometime after Midnight" stands out as one of the most evocative in the entire series through its controversially erotic nature. Marko presents a scandalously attired female boldly embracing her urban setting. The background reveals steel bars and a coarse, grainy concrete wall, which capture the core of this hard concrete world. This scene is also developed by the splotches of red, appearing as a stain or a form of vandalism suggestive of street art. These urban elements harshly contrast the female's sensuality and supple youth. This creates an uneasy rawness and provocation that absorbs us into the scene. There is also a complex exchange of gazes between the viewer and the female. As she peers deeply toward the realm of the spectator, the viewer feels uncomfortable gazing at her. Through this exchange, Marko challenges the viewer's gaze with the female's territorial authority.

Chelsea Girl No. 11 by Marko Stout

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:47:19 MST

This work's style is much like Marko's earlier work, yet now reveals the same new motif of female empowerment, however his approach here is slightly different. In this piece, we are not emerged within the same contemporary world, which is used in the newer works to enhance the female's strength and independence. We are also unable to see the girl's body language. Instead, she reveals a ghostly stare and is dressed in white lace, giving her an innocent softness. Nevertheless, her expression maintains a stern dignity that makes her unconquerable to the spectator.

Chelsea Girl No. 5 by Marko Stout

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:43:28 MST

In this piece, Marko defies dominant depictions of women by replacing the elements of provocation and nudity with ferocity and urban trendiness. The girl's intense glare and oppositional body language indicates her ownership over her body, rising above the clutches of themale's glance. Despite her empowerment, she is still youthful and soft, traits that are conventionally pleasing. Consequently, Marko shows that a woman's lushness and desirability can still transmit a defiant vigor that rises beyond the limits of the male gaze. Finally, Marko adds his name in bright lettering, which almost acts as another barrier distancing the onlooker from the woman.