Boys & Bubs: The Wig Master
By Benjamin D. Rinehart
Appleton, Wisconsin: Benjamin D. Rinehart, 2016. Edition of 7.9” x 9” x .75” (closed), 17” x 9” x .75 (open); single opening. Medium: lithograph, pressure print, and archival pigment prints. Bound as a box with hinged doors. Magnetic double hinged opening with synthetic hair pull. Pigmented Strathmore paper. Text printed on Epson printer. Materials: Iris book cloth, binders board, foam core, steel, magnets, and synthetic hair. Signed and numbered by the artist.
Benjamin D. Rinehart: "Gender fluidity and freedom of personal expression are important credos in our household. The idea of changing one’s outward appearance with the ease of taking on or off a wig is enticing and fun. Styling and wearing wigs are a normal part of our kids world because of Joshua’s profession as a wig master. This has given our kids a chance to experience a variety of styles that cross gender in appearance.
"The magnetic wigs are reminiscent of iconic figurative refrigerator magnets; like the statue of David dressed like Marilyn Monroe. Opportunities to switch one’s outward appearance are socially restrictive and often limited to holidays or masquerades.
"Whenever and however you choose to express yourself, embrace it!"