BFA EXHIBIT ARCHIVE
Visual Resources Library
 

Kelly Watson: Horror Vacui

Gale Antokal Gallery, 3/24/2025–3/28/2025

Advisor: Shaun O'Dell

 

Artist's Statement

What unfolds when the artist and the subject exist as one? Imagine the artist embodying both the antagonist and the protagonist, the victim and the perpetrator, all within the same frame. While I relish the opportunity to experiment with a myriad of subjects, I am often irresistibly drawn to the mirror, using myself as the central figure in my creations. This approach allows me to channel my unique perspective and personal narratives into each piece, infusing them with a depth and authenticity that are hard to recreate.

As I embark on the journey of self-portraiture, the initial impulse that sparks each piece gradually transforms, becoming less significant than the ever-evolving process itself. Witnessing my self-portraits blossom is nothing short of mesmerizing; this creative endeavor acts as a potent outlet for emotional exploration and healing. Self-portraiture serves as an invaluable tool for profound introspection, encouraging us to delve deep and examine the truths that surface throughout this journey. As an artist, I constantly seek to stretch my boundaries, venturing into new realms of expression that reveal the intricacies of my life experiences.

My creative process is often a whirlwind of experimentation, involving dry media, delicate line work, and evocative collage, as I investigate the dynamic interplay between myself as both creator and subject. “Horror Vacui,” derived from a Latin term meaning ‘fear of empty space,’ showcases a collection where self-portraiture intertwines with collage. With appropriated collaged imagery juxtaposed against my organic form, a new narrative emerges. Through a transformative recycling process, I repurpose my earlier works, breathing new life into them by adding layers both physically and in meaning, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expression.