Mary Kelly‘s show “Corpus” at Vielmetter Gallery includes thirty framed pieces which alternate between image in one frame and text in another. The name of the show, “Corpus,” refers to the work being a collection of writings, yet has a double meaning built in as the writings concern the aging female body–particularly Kelly’s. True to Kelly’s role as a leading feminist conceptual artist, the work provides a personal testimony of the emotional distress middle-aged women experience in a sexualized and shallow society where the gaze offers only fear of judgement and scrutiny.

Each panel of writing contains a scenario—written in Kelly’s own handwriting—of an experience of memorable vulnerability. The handwriting is written in white on glass that floats above a black surface. Certain words or phrases are highlighted in red (such as “female figure,” “feel silly,” and “being older”) so that the viewer may gleam meaning without fully reading the text. The experiences include birthday parties, doctor’s office visits, dance floors, restaurant dates with friends, and sexual experiences with men. The collection of writing feels diaristic; each scenario uncomfortably self-conscious.

Mary Kelly, Interim, Part I: Corpus, Menacé (installation view), 1984–85, laminated photo positive, silkscreen, acrylic on Plexiglas, 30 panels, 122 × 91 × 6 cm (each). Courtesy the artist and Vielmetter, Los Angeles.

With each segment of writing is a corresponding image on glass floating above a white surface. The images are of a piece of clothing or an accessory such as a handbag, shoes or lingerie, and they mimic scientific diagrams. Thus, the piece of clothing becomes the evidence to Kelly‘s personal experiences. Words such as “appel” and “supplication” are written underneath the image of the article of clothing and have a checkmark or cross next to the clothing to indicate success or failure. Both the handwriting and images are on glass floating above a contrasting background so that shadows create duplicated images.

“Corpus” explores emotions about the female experience which are usually left unspoken. Kelly is able to elevate mundane memories so they become significant moments and impressions which cease to be forgotten. Even though the show is deeply personal there is a universal resonation, as the insecurities that are explored are intrinsically human.