Kate Gilmore

Kate Gilmore is somewhat of a Lone Ranger. At the present time she is working exclusively in video, creating single take films of her performances in front of the camera. In her videos we often see Gilmore climbing, breaking through, lifting or struggling against formidable barriers. As Gilmore struggles for resolution we realize that everything is happening authentically and nothing is predictable. Gilmore’s scenes are never rehearsed and her uncertainty and determination shows as she works to achieve her goal. The unrehearsed methodology mimics real life, talking about the obstacles that women face in the corporate and private world, where the outcome is never predictable.

We are made acutely aware of Gilmore’s femininity throughout her performances. She is always in a demure skirt or dress; wearing heels that often aid in kicking through the plaster walls she puts up. Her outfit is completed with bright colored lipstick and dainty black gloves. Although her femininity is not heightened to extreme measures, we are certain that we are watching the struggles of a female in society.

Her motifs, such as breaking through plaster walls and climbing up wooden planks on roller skates speak to insurmountable obstacles facing women in the workplace and society. The beauty of the work is Gilmore’s ability to approach the challenge without resentment, going head on to achieve the goal. And sometimes, but not all the time, she comes out a winner.

With Open Arms


In this video, made in 2005, Gilmore stands in front of the camera with her arms wide open. She grins at us with a forced, exaggerated smile and a flower in her hair while unseen enemies hurl tomatoes at her overdressed figured and star studded background.

The tomatoes look like they sting Gilmore’s skin as she stands ready and waiting for the attack and she often has to lower her arms and cover her face to wipe the remnants of the red flesh from her face.

The act is one of endurance. How much pain can she withstand, smiling and open armed before she starts yelling and screaming at the enemies behind the camera? Patience in the face of pain is the most prominent feature of this particular video. And it is so clearly a feminine patience. She stands in front of us with her dress stained red and smiles, waiting for it out so she can win.