"Tatyana Gubash’s drawings showcase how icons’ unique eye makeup aesthetics, often immediately recognizable, can be understood as acts of rebellion, courage, reinvention, self-expression, and even, sexual power. A small selection of Gubash’s expansive series of drawings, which until now have been a private method of tribute to the women with whom she’s obsessed, these idols range from underground cult cinema stars like Cookie Mueller, Edith Massey and Holly Woodlawn to sonic sirens like Courtney Love, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Amy Winehouse. Each piece also captures a psychological aspect of their gaze: the vulnerability and fragility of Warhol superstar Edie Sedgwick, the Valley of the Dolls deadpan of Sharon Tate, and the psychotic stare of Vampira. Like glamorous Rorschach tests, Gubash’s method of blotting, brushwork and the application of glitter and rhinestones creates a connection between the artist’s hand, and the initial intent of the makeup and their inspirations. Gubash notes: “My obsessions span decades in some cases. I’ve read everything on them I could get my hands on. Saw every documentary. Gone to book signings and readings (Cookie and Holly). Travelled to see auction items and spent most of the time staring at the contents of their makeup kits…I love fantasizing how they felt as they came up with their own personal style and how it helped them feel powerful during their struggles and what they endured to overcome social stigmas and other cruelties." - Emily Colucci
from Frontrunner Magazine’s interview with “Idol Worship” curator Emily Colucci
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