Untitled

© Biff Henrich, 1984, from the Collection of the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. No reproduction without the permission of the owner.

Untitled, 1984

Biff Henrich   —  
  • American
  • 1953

  • 1989:027
  • Ektacolor print
  • 40 x 30 in.
  • Framed: 41 x 31 in.
  • Collection of the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, Purchase, 1989
Photographer Biff Henrich pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions with his diverse bodies of work. In his untitled 1984 color photograph, viewers are presented with a close up view of a man shaving with a pink disposable razor. This work challenges our perception of gender meaning within the scope of consumerism. This style of disposable razor, similar to the one presented in this photograph, was mass produced, the only variable in its creation was the traditional gender signifier of color—blue for male and pink for female—and marketing of color-coding products is still used today. As the artist crosses masculine (male face) and feminine (pink razor) elements, he creates an unsettling narrative that leaves the viewer’s expectations in question.