CATE GIORDANO

Cate Giordano makes films, sculptures, prints, paintings, and performances. Giordano’s work has been exhibited at Galerie Christophe Gaillard, Postmasters Gallery, Microscope Gallery, Anthology Films Archives, Spectacle Theater, The Poetry Project, Spring Break Art Show, The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, and others. Residencies include Onassis AiR, La Résidence/Le Tremblay, and Smack Mellon Artist Studio Program.

REX

• 2020

• 41:00

• mini DV, zoom

REX is loosely based on Henry VIII of England and his arranged marriage to Anne of Cleves (wife #4). The politically astute union is strongly encouraged by Henry’s lead advisor, Thomas Cromwell, in order to secure an alliance with German Duke of Cleves after Henry’s infamous split from the Catholic Church. Having never met Anne, Henry commissions a portrait of her from Hans Holbein, and based on Holbein’s rendering, he agrees to the marriage. When Anne arrives, Henry rages that she looks nothing like the portrait and that he is not attracted to her, but ultimately presses forward with the marriage to secure an international alliance and produce much needed male heirs to inherit his throne. Throughout, he is haunted by his past violent deeds, uncontrollably childish impulses, and his insatiable desire for total control.