Laura Rokas 
Super Domestique  

Opens Thursday, November 9, 6 - 9 pm
November 9 – December 23 

1599fdT is very excited to announce the opening of our new gallery space in Chinatown SF with Super Domestique, Laura Rokas’ first solo exhibition with the gallery. Featuring a new series of paintings on paper, Super Domestique explores the dynamics between master and servant, the suffocation of binding relationships, and the power found in controlling one's suffering.

Inspired by the world of professional cycling, where the term "domestique" translates to "servant" in English, the painstakingly executed paintings expose the blurry lines between power, vulnerability, submission, and ambition. The exhibition delves into deep notions of the self, examining power struggles within groups, relationships, and the desire for perfectionism.

In professional cycling, a domestique is a rider on the team whose goal is to support their leader. Within this hierarchy is a unique figure called the "super domestique." These riders, however, are often not content with merely playing a supporting role; they strive to be general classification contenders in their own right, causing tension within their teams. Super domestiques are jacks of all trades, excelling in every aspect of their craft all while standing in the shadow of the spotlight of their captain. 

Though the world of cycling provides a useful backdrop, the exhibition also delves into the symbolism of the domestic, societal expectations of femininity, and the act of "playing house” reminiscent of Jeanne Dielman’s suffocating daily perfectionist rituals. 

Super Domestique insinuates the notions of deriving pleasure from pain, drawing parallels to practices of sadomasochism. Just as great cyclists are said to make others suffer in their pursuit to achieve victory, the pursuit of power and the willingness to simultaneously endure suffering through submission become intertwined in Rokas’ new series of paintings. 

Installation Images

Artworks