For those in the mood for something a little less romantic after one of the nation’s biggest Hallmark holidays, The Backyard Gallery has an alternative – The Aileen Wuornos Show. The event will be held at The Violet House on 870 Violet Street at 8 p.m. Friday and will feature art related to the notorious serial killer. Wuornos is infamously known as one of few female serial killers in U.S. history. She admitted to killing seven men while she worked as a prostitute in Florida. She was executed on Oct. 9, 2002, and her story has been translated into countless documentaries, books and films. Adam Tourek, sculpture graduate student, and Baton Rouge resident Tiffany True currently live in The Violet House and describe themselves as the resident curators, directors, hosts, caretakers and promoters of The Backyard Gallery. They inherited it from Jacob Botter and Lauren Greathouse, University photography alumni, after they moved into the house. Tourek said shows at The Backyard Gallery normally have a theme that consists of a single word or phrase, and it is up to the artists to interpret it. The gallery accepts work in all media, as long as it works with the theme. “Aileen Wuornos as a theme is a bit more specific than what has been done in the past,” Tourek said. “We hope this specificity and the details of Wuornos’ life will provide artists with a challenge as they prepare works.” Tourek said he believes this show will not only give artists an opportunity to showcase their work, but also provide an opportunity for discussion on larger issues that surround Wuornos’ story. “The show is not necessarily promoting any issues,” Tourek said. “But perhaps a look at Wuornos’ life will bring to mind issues that still find their way into the headlines – capital punishment, mental stability, family life, prostitution, movie deals, violence, gun control, surveillance, law enforcement.” Tourek said he hopes featuring her image and stories will promote discussion about the way America treats those who act out against their struggles. “I’m sure she’s not the only person who was or is faced with hardship beyond her control,” Tourek said. Tourek said Wuornos’ notoriety and improper labeling as “America’s first female serial killer” is what brought her to the gallery’s attention. “The whole thing is up for debate, really, as to whether or not she was actually a serial killer or was just presented as that,” Tourek said. “For some reason, people are fascinated with social anomalies such as serial killers.” Some University students said they shared Tourek’s fascination with serial killers. “I like to watch [programs about serial killers] on TV,” said Zuledith Rivera, history junior. “You like to figure out what’s in their head. You try to figure out what made them that way.”
—-Contact Sarah Aycock at [email protected]