The Great Escape is the debut book from Canadian artist Relm, immersing readers in a dream-like and sometimes nightmarish world where there are no limits. Uninhibited, romantic, sexy, and perplexing, Relm’s work subverts traditional narratives through pencil and painting, pushing us to think beyond the naked body. Influenced by her Balkan/Bosnian heritage, years in Germany, and travels across Europe, her art is deeply rooted in surrealism and art history, drawing inspiration from figures like Vigée Le Brun and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Fantasy plays a central role in her work, often engaging with themes of mortality, desire, and power—elements long explored in religious and historical paintings, typically from a male gaze. The book’s title, The Great Escape, reflects the journey Relm takes us on, where female subjects appear doll-like, monstrous, or devoured by insects in some paintings, while in others, they embrace their own pleasure, celebrate lesbian love, and assert their sexual power. This duality invites viewers to question traditional power structures. A recurring theme in Relm’s work is appropriation—she repaints classical oil paintings of female nudes by male artists, offering a fresh perspective on these historical portrayals. The Great Escape marks Relm’s first book, published by Baron, and follows her international gallery exhibitions at Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles, Arch Enemy Arts in New York, and more. Her work has been featured in publications like Mutual Art and Whitewall. The hardback edition measures 24 x 29 cm, with a reprint shipping in September 2024.
