I am going to start more posts about what inspires and interests me…as a way of 1)Making this blog more lively with more posts 2) Keeping a better studio practice, and channeling that through this blog.
The Devil's House- Karen Kilimnik. 1998
Prince Charming - Karen Kilimnik. 1998
My semi-recent painting-soulmate discovery is Karen Kilimnik. I cannot express how happy I am to have made this discovery. Currently, she is the contemporary painter I most identify with. Seeing her is inspiring and motivating. There’s enough similarity in her work with mine, that it gives me a nice hearty gulp of confidence that I might be able to make it as a painter. Her work is brilliant enough that it inspires me to put forth my best possible work. Her themes deal with celebrity, society, history, famous or fancy buildings, fantasy..and ..kittens. To add to it, the titles of her work are amazing. She takes our associations with place, time, or face and flips them over. Whether its a self-portrait set in 1916, a portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio labeled as a prince, or giving a house personality. She blends mass media with the personal, historical, and fantastical leaving viewers to question their own visual semiotics and personal feelings. Needless to say, I am in art-love with her.
Surf & Turf, Belgian Cats on the Northern Coast of Belgium -Karen Kilimnik, 1996
"Castle Salzburg" 1999, "Prince Albrecht at Home at the Castle on School Break" 1998, "Vampires, Black Forest". 1999
On top of that…she does badass installations. She does some that are totally what I’d love to do for the full body of Gossip Girl work that I have brewing in my head. Like..I think she actually painted a painting I wanted to paint, and displayed it how I wanted to display it..before I knew any of this information.
Me in Russia, 1916, Outside the Village -Karen Kilimnik
Installation view of "Me in Russia" at 303 Gallery. 1999
Her “Diana” pieces touch on much of what I am interested in with Jackie and Marilyn. Once again I am like ‘dang…she gets it. and did IT!”
Lady Diana Spencer at the Royal Opera House. 1999.
I went to her show at 303 Gallery in New York that was up recently. I was blown away by having such a kindred at art spirit. I think I saw her in the gallery, but I got to scared to talk to her. I felt….aware of all the work I need to do….instead of taking it as an opportunity to talk with someone I admire. I hope to cross paths with her again, I think she’s officially got a lifelong fan from me. I hope to at some point cross paths with her for real this time, via digitally or in person. Artlove.
