Kiarra Elliott

My work for the past 7 years has been a reflection of the deeper questions I have asked myself such as, " Where is the representation of my people or those that look like myself and my family?" And how can I create work that is both unique, empowering and spark conversations? These questions laid down the foundation to my work and have been a crucial part to my artist process. My work takes on various portrait images of people from the African Diaspora and fuses them with their animal and nature counterparts. My artwork also takes a critical view of cultural subject matter and social impact as it relates to portraiture, animals, nature and our natural resources. Drawing attention to the lack of diversity in fine art oil paint portraiture and our current environment as it relates to the use of wood materials. By using recycled wood from construction sites as my canvas; in lieu of the traditional canvas fabric material; I am able to change the narrative of how fine art can be displayed. I am also able to repurpose a material that is so often thrown away and wasted after one use. I lean on the notion of turning “trash into treasure” creating a unique impact on the work's relationship to the viewer. This is intended to draw in the viewer, develop a special connection between themselves and the art which provides a chance to challenge one’s perception and perspectives. In doing this I am able to promote beauty, strength, realness, and uniqueness in each painting to start a conversation and ignite emotions sharing not only a small piece of my own story but the story of those that have come before me and after me.