Femme Study Meet the Artist at Boutique Wearhouse

You’ll notice the paintings as soon as you walk through the door. Their size makes them hard not to miss, which was the intention of the artist, Karen Shelly-Genther. Huge monochromatic works, entitled Femme Study, are hanging above the clothing in this New York Designer-like loft, Boutique Wearhouse, located on West Chester Pike, in Newtown Square. To say the paintings are making an impact on the clients who shop at this off price boutique is an understatement.

It may seem incongruent to some to mix paintings with clothing, however, Robin Cohen, owner of BW, feels differently. “Since we opened, we’ve been embracing the arts by bringing in local artists to hang on our walls, giving them exposure to the public. The idea of showing art in unusual places is the brainchild of the artist, Shelly-Genther. She finds places where art would work, and then promotes the works so the community has opportunities to experience art in places other than museums and galleries.”

Cohen goes on to explain that the two women have had two previous artists work hanging in her store, but none has caught the eye, or caused the stir that Femme Study has.  “These pieces speak to women about what being female is all about, just like our clothes.”

Cohen , a feisty, animated woman, who speaks directly and holds nothing back, reads her clientele well. She knows what they want, what they need, and what will work best for them.  “When I saw what Karen was working on, and I read her artist statement, I knew her own works needed to show here.” She smiles demurely, knowing she is responsible for what has happened, “I’ll be honest, she was a hard sell.  It took some convincing on my part to get her to focus on herself for a change, rather than other artists. But I knew the power of her work would resonate with our clients. The reception has been tremendous.”  Cohen added, smiling. “I just love them. They are fabulous!”

Cohen then laughed, waving her arm upwards, “You certainly can’t ignore them!” The pieces average three or four feet in height and their monochromatic appearance attracts the eye, not to mention the sensuality of them.

The female population on a whole tends to be overtly critical of their looks. They judge themselves harshly, especially as they age. The reflection in the mirror appears familiar but looks nothing like what the woman remembers.

Artist, Shelly-Genther, gives her explanation. “We tend to fixate on our aging issues, always focusing on the negative.  Those nagging scars, the body changes, additional weight here and there, jiggle in the arms and legs, a little cellulite, it all makes aging difficult for many women to remember that they are still a woman. And just the nature of being a woman exudes sexuality.” She points to the signature piece, a black and white study entitled, Sensual Twist, depicting the upper torso of the woman, with hands on hips, just turned slightly.

 “There are a lot of unhappy women walking around.  I should know I was once one of them!”She lets go a hearty laugh. It’s her laughter, and her quick smile that you’ll notice when you meet her. “These works from Femme Study are supposed to remind us of our vulnerability and sexuality. No matter our personal perception of what ‘our issues’ are, the female of us still exists.”

Walking through the show, Shelly-Genther explains, “We are older, we have birth scars, and we may lose a breast, or both breasts, or gain more roundness. We are different from what we once were; it’s easy to forget we are still women when life brings everything at you. The scars and the changes do not take away what a woman is. As a woman you can embrace, or hate who you’ve become. These painting hopefully get you to rethink what your perception is.”

Shelly-Genther’s perception and vulnerability of her work does capture the attention of the femme psyche. The work speaks loudly and resonates that within each female is the essence of the femme; a sultry human lying in the shadows of what isn’t seen.

Boutique Wearhouse recently celebrated their one year anniversary. Cohen has based her business plan on helping the community, and being more than just a retail source. She’s been making her mark on the Delco area by participating in many worthy events and giving back to the community by donating profits to these resources since she opened.  A partnership she recently entered into was being a donation drop off spot for the Wardrobe Boutique and The Career Wardrobe. This is a charity that supports women trying to get back on their feet and need the proper wardrobe to do so.

An artist reception is scheduled for June 7, 2012, from 5-8pm at Boutique Wearhouse. The show will hang through the summer. BW hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-5pm, Thursdays 9:30-8pm. For more information contact the store 610-356-1566.