^Click to See Sister Painting”
By Briana McLaurin
Detail from “Round a Harmony”
How it Started… is a collection of seven paintings that touch upon ideas of time and reflection. Inspired by a DIY photoshoot that my family conducted in our unfinished basement, these paintings serve as the prelude to my sisters’ much anticipated successful careers in the beauty industry. One day in the future, we will look back at these paintings and see just how far we have come. The three large pieces commemorate the behind-the-scenes moments of the photoshoot, staying true to my practice of painting my family members. Meanwhile, the three smaller images, created throughout the year, are self-portraits painted in front of a mirror. These portraits coincide with the larger painting of myself that is also included. All of these portraits were done purely out of enjoyment, during moments in my life where I may have changed my appearance, like my hairstyle or makeup, thus inspiring me to paint. They are the beginning to a life-long series committed to self-portraits over time.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this series, How it’s Going, coming in ten years…
Contact:
Throughout the course of this year I was taken to many different spaces that weren’t mine but were integral to the creation of these works. A big thank you to Lauren Krasnoff and friends (Emily, Serafina, Kate) for letting me into their personal space. Thank you Lauren for giving me a space to remain motivated, hold me accountable, and giving me the opportunity to create alongside you. For making this possible last minute, thank you to Perri Phelps for the photo support and love, along with Sam and Ben (the gallery team) for helping me photograph/display the artwork. For the many walks I took in Radzyń Podlaski, Poland, that provided me with inspiration in every step taken, I have to thank Krystian Karpiński and Sylwester Osak who have given me more than words can ever articulate. From the words I can find, I have to thank them for providing me with a home across the globe, a continual source of inspiration, and for welcoming me into their families while becoming part of mine. Also a big thanks to my family, specifically my Father, for the constant critiques that no one else can give, for always supporting me, and for the endless conversations about art and creation while pushing me to create more. Lastly, I would like to thank all the professors, faculty members, and administrators at Mason Gross School of the Arts. Thank you in particular to the Undergraduate Advisor Amee Pollack for the endless support getting me back to school and helping me constantly throughout my four years here at Rutgers – from class scheduling, making sure I apply to opportunities by the deadline (like actually making sure), and writing letters of recommendation, thank you! Another big thank you to every painting professor I had who inspired me, along with the many sculpture professors and in particular Sculpture Professor Patrick Strzelec for being the only one who allowed me and pushed me to think the way I do while providing me with many life lessons. Lastly, while she is not here today, a big thank you to Kirsten Kraa who is seeing my first body of work from above – without her I would not have gone to art school. She provided me with her knowledge of techniques, made me feel loved, and bestowed her philosophy for creating onto me which has given me my own motives and basis for making art. On top of the many friends I didn’t mention who were crucial to my life and took part in it at Rutgers University that may have been from my program, from residence life, or even from my freshmen year dormitory – I thank you. Thank you all for giving me what you have and for enabling me to create this series.
Below are images/memories of some of the people mentioned above
^Click to See Sister Collage^
^Click to See Sister Collage^
^Click to See Sister Collage^
meat
locker
Meat Locker serves as an extension of personal experiences with mental processes and examining internal struggle. The visceral collection of paintings features the calamity of vital organic structures in a brash and openly violent spread, capturing the utter confusion and abrasion of the endless battle against chronic depression. I am enthralled by the study of organic systems and bodily functions, as well as how the body copes with physical and mental health. Mental health is unpredictable, raw, and rather extreme, something that I desire to replicate in the collection Using non-traditional materials and technique, such as liquid latex or recycled towel rolls, the series reignites the meaning of my spontaneous process and unplanned result. Meat Locker is intended as a visual representation of how it feels to suppress emotional damage, as the body eventually adapts and grows.
^Click to See Sister Collage^
