Mettle Martyr

March 19 – April 8, 2021

Bitfactory Gallery presents Mettle Martyr a solo exhibition featuring works by A.L. Lummus running March 19 through Apr 8, 2021. In this show, Lummus wraps her social commentary about society's worship of female self-sacrifice in bright, frivolous images that harken to the late-50’s and early sixties as a means to help her message be more palatable and accessible. She uses mixed media 2dworks as well as installation and a short film to create a small, sardonic celebration of the "ultimate American feminine." The public is invited to an Opening Reception at Bitfactory Gallery, 815 N Santa Fe Drive, on Friday, March 19 from 6-9 pm and during regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and by appointment. Due to COVID restrictions masks are required and social distancing is encouraged. 

In defining the thesis of the show Lummus explains “While gender equality has made significant strides, it remains that the ‘good’ American woman is a martyr. She sacrifices for image, for material, for children, for man. She is left with only our culture's shared permission to be woman. Society's worship of female self-sacrifice continues to permeate modern American culture, regardless of its futility.” The installation portion will include several mannequins, engaged in obnoxiously traditional feminine activities, covered with mirrored lacquer in which the viewer can interact and see themselves as "The Cutest American Martyr." The goal is to have attendees to reflect on themselves as the muted protagonist, the consummately undervalued woman, the "unimportant" half of our nation. This commentary will also be expressed through a short film that will run at the exhibition. Lummus aims to leave attendees with a chuckle, a smile, and a broadened consciousness.