“Pure Intentions,” acrylic and aerosol on linen, 24 x 24 inches. All photos © Kayla Mahaffey, shared with permission
Childhood naivete and nostalgia have at all times grounded Kayla Mahaffey’s imaginative work, however at this time, the Chicago-based artist considers what occurs within the subsequent stage of adolescence. “My earlier work centered round extra harmless instances and the way these outdoors influences (good or dangerous) interacted with us and the way generally we remained in a state of bliss and oblivion,” she tells Colossal. “As I become old and because the youngsters in my work develop, I need to transfer right into a route of consciousness and ask the query, ‘When was the turning level in our lives after we began to note the dangerous issues, and the way did this have an effect on us?’”
This act of self-discovery and rising consciousness of the broader world are shaping Mahaffey’s new works. Persevering with her use of vivid shade and energetic motion, the artist has toned down the cartoon particulars that after created daydream-like commotion for her younger topics, and she or he’s as a substitute gravitating towards weightier and extra ominous themes, together with the strain between life and demise. Lifeless birds and sinister snakes seem, whereas one determine grasps sharp clippers and one other cries massive, heavy tears.
“And Away We Go,” acrylic and aerosol on linen
Mahaffey has an unlimited archive of sketches to be translated into acrylic and aerosol, a lot of which mirror the nuanced tales of her native Chicago. “My work displays how the town instantly impacts our youth and the way they in return react when they’re cared for and likewise when they aren’t,” she says, sharing that the work “are simply the tales and experiences, filtered by means of my thoughts and placed on paper.”
She works rapidly, and concepts emerge freely. As soon as settled on a composition, she works tirelessly till the portray is full. “I attempt to decelerate my course of at instances, however it solely stunts my thought course of and clouds me mentally whereas portray, so I simply do what works for me. My thoughts works a bit extra spontaneously, and I wish to suppose my items flourish due to that,” the artist shares.
Mahaffey will launch a limited-edition sculpture with Thinkspace this week, which you’ll find extra about on Instagram.
“Glare,” acrylic and aerosol on stacked panels, 48 x 48 x 4 inches
“Chicago’s Hope”
“Retribution,” acrylic and aerosol on stacked panels, 32 x 32 x 3 inches
Do tales and artists like this matter to you? Turn out to be a Colossal Member at this time and help unbiased arts publishing for as little as $5 per 30 days. The article Kayla Mahaffey Envisions the Self-Discovery of Adolescence By Vibrantly Energetic Work in Acrylic appeared first on Colossal.
