In a nod to the upcoming inauguration, The Fridge opens Laura Elkins’ Homage to Michelle in The Mini-Fridge, the newly opened space at the gallery. The artist will show a retrospective of works inspired by Michelle Obama during the first administration. Elkins uses First Lady imagery to create self-portraits that are at once deeply personal and also inherently historical and political. Elkins’ work addresses larger social and cultural issues, including current events, while maintaining the everywoman quality of a self-portrait.

Homage to Michelle opens on Saturday, January 12, 6 – 8pm, and is on view through February 9, 2013. The artist draws upon the mythical narrative that each First Lady is the personification of flawless taste and grace as well as a humble servant to the people. Elkins pairs conservative style choices with provocative imagery to reexamine the American perception of the qualities that the First Lady, and by extension, all women, should possess. Her artwork presents a radically new understanding of how private identity is masked to create a socially acceptable and politically correct public personality. This will be Elkins’ third solo exhibition with the gallery.

6:00pm til 8:00pm, Sat Jan 12 @ The Fridge, 516 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003