Artists get “Unlaced” in Bay View

Four local artists will display works inspired by and in honor of the corset in a show aptly titled Unlaced, in a one-night only show happening tonight at the Bay View Lounge.

Artworks featured include each artists’ interpretation on the theme, according to event organizer and clothing designer Laura Meyer of Twilight Attire.

“The corset is  a central image in much of my own work,” says Meyer. Why the corset?

“I find it a polarizing symbol and a very sensual piece of clothing, which is ironic because it covers more than it reveals, and was historically an essential component of modest dressing,” she replies.

“Some people view it as a symbol of feminine oppression, but many examples are exaggerations at best. In truth, it was more frequently coveted than despised, despite the restriction of movement. I’m not sure it’s much better today… like then, we’re all expected to have perfectly-shaped bodies –but now we have surgeries to create it instead of using clothing.”

Meyer will showcase some of her own creations, including a corset made entirely of paper.

Photographer Kayla Crowe’s  focus is on “female themes surrounding social outcasts; the pierced, tattooed, fetish crowd.” Milwaukee-based photographer T.J. Pendragon, whose photos have appeared in A & E’s documentary The Secret Life of Vampires, will be presenting both color and black-and-white photos. His subject matter includes everything from models in corsets to landscape shots to photos from the Port Washington Pirate Festival. Local artist Joseph Kucej will have oil paintings and pencil drawings from his Angel series on display.

Two films, The Libertine and Dracula, shown at 5:30 and 7:30 respectively, are to be screened at the neighboring family-run-and-owned Alchemist Theatre in conjunction with the event.

As an added bonus, a raffle ticket is included in the$5 cover charge ($3 with the donation of a canned food item), with chances to win two $20 bar tabs from Club Anything, three items from the Tool Shed, or drink and ticket specials for two events at the Alchemist Theatre/Bay View Lounge (Fool for Love and Faust).

Unlaced takes place Saturday, April 2, 5-10 p.m., at the Bay View Lounge, 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue. For more information, click here.