Wendy Maruyama
Kanzashi "Stroke", 2007
Polychromed wood, abalone shell, and video components

Collection of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Wyly
Wendy Maruyama is among the many artists represented in the exhibition who combine the power of the handmade with digital media to examine social or political issues. In Kanzashi "Stroke”. Maruyama tackles the stereotype of Japanese women as “oriental” and “ornamental” objects. The overall design of this conceptual work emulates the traditional, beautifully ornate Kanzashi combs worn by geishas. A small video display near the top of the piece stimulates the sense, very much like a beautiful geisha does, with images of someone being stroked and gently fondled.