One painting that really defines Kezia Harrell is a piece called Americana Hot Momma. Harrell, who regularly centers on her nude self, slumbers soundly upon a hill, her face deeply gruntled in the midst of hibernation. Sleeping figures often dream of the magical world around them, but in this playful scene that landscape is the napper’s reality. Centered is her guide, who is no fairy godmother, nor a mysterious rabbit in a hat, but a spirit baby (lovingly named Munki Burrito). Wrapped in purple fur, this guide wafts knowledge cast as sparkles of pink and yellow light into the midst of Harrell’s daydream. As the viewer, you might wonder if it is you who has fallen down a rabbit hole and stumbled into this fantasyland. If so, you would be so lucky. Harrell is an artist who has bequeathed herself to the canvas. She lets her mind run free and allows her inquisitive nature and curiosity about the world to flow out from within. It is this light that beams from her imagination and creates the cartoonish worlds that are present in her paintings. Harrell’s practice extends beyond painting to comic book making and paper dolls—a variety of creative avenues that bring her fancies to life. Sometimes these fantastical compositions hide little fragments of darkness, like Such Gatherings where the wretched faces of men emerge from the earth like pesky garden weeds. Harrell’s figure remains unbothered, using her godgiven gifts to push them back into the ground.
Harrell admits that even she still finds meaning from the meticulous work that is composed, a constant evolution of uncovering and understanding, as so often derived by hindsight. It might be best for us all to take a step back and not question the nonsense. Better yet, let it blow a little light of knowledge into our faces too.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Summer 2023 من JUXTAPOZ.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Summer 2023 من JUXTAPOZ.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
George Condo - The Artificial Realist
In the comfort of his bedroom, New Hampshire-born artist George Condo contemplated his place and personal perspective on art criticism and history.
Ever Velasquez – The Chingona of Chinatown
Today, Velasquez manages the gallery that’s become ground zero for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ exhibitions and artist representation in Los Angeles. We sat down for a punk rock lunch at Toi in West Hollywood and chatted about her strong influence in the Los Angeles art scene.
Art and Science in Bloom
Laguna College of Art + Design Teams with UCI School of Medicine
Women Dressing Women
The Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute celebrates women designers
Shepard Fairey - The Iconic Icon
As I enter Shepard Fairey’s Los Angeles studio on a sunny October afternoon, a considerably large painting of Andy Warhol sits on an easel, eyes focused and looming directly over the shoulder of Fairey as he adds watercolor touches to a series of works on paper.
A Guide for Quitting Your Job and Crossing Europe
Copenhagen, Paris, and Sweet Sweet Sarajevo
Sarah Lee - At Moonlight
When was the last time you sat in stillness? Turned off your phone? Closed your eyes and allowed your brain to neutralize and excavate an instinct deep inside, opening the senses to risk and exposure? Likely not recently.
Lola Gil - Through Her Looking Glass
It's not surprising that a very young Lola Gil spent unhurried hours among her grandmother's collection of small, humble figures and objects.
Olivia Sterling - Rage Comedy
Olivia Sterling’s protagonists flail and prey, grind sausages, and mangle cakes, oozing pure angst, twisted into buoyant humor with juicy strokes.
Wild Style 40
A Defining Film for a Defining Era