An art exhibit by Dorothy Netherland opens Thursday at The Southern, 2 Carlson Ct., exploring issues of identity, transformation and personal power from the context of being a mother of a teenage daughter.

Netherland's art coalesces photographs of her daughter's face with bodies from fashion magazines and then overloads imagery. These creations are inspired by the complexities and contradictions involved in crafting an identity in the modern age.

Inspirations include constantly shifting perceptions, seeking validation through online self-documentation and both the empowerment and anxiety involved in this self-documentation.

My daughter is in a time of life which is so open to possibility, and her ideas about her identity as separate from her parents is still forming," says Netherland. "Identity is complex and multi-faceted, and social media allows us to try out multiple personas. Girls today are aware of it as a power tool and means of self-expression.

But, like fashion, which constantly changes, its a challenge to stay relevant and fresh ... Im interested in the mixed messages of girl power and the way female strength and empowerment can resemble branding. In a personal way, my work contemplates the current culture, and my daughters growing involvement in it.

The opening reception takes place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

Reach Kalyn Oyerat 843-371-4469. Follow her on Twitter @sound_wavves.

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FanGirl opens at The Southern, exploring issues of identity, transformation and personal power - Charleston Post Courier