Hilary Harkness at the FLAG Art Foundation

This past week, we went back to the FLAG Art Foundation in the Chelsea Arts Tower. On our first visit, we were given a personal tour of FLAG. This time we went for the closing reception of the show by Hilary Harkness.

She created highly detailed paintings, mostly of women, in scenes of chaos where good and evil are nonexistent. They were reinterpretations of real people, studies, and historical events. The playful nature of the paintings initially reminded me of “Eye Spy” mixed with the style of Lady Gaga.

“Sex, war, reproduction, class systems, free markets, manifest destiny, and scientific experimentation all play out in an uncensored stage -- yet are still tethered to historical moments and real world settings.”
                                    http://www.flagartfoundation.org/exhibition/104/description

Since the artist was there in person this time, she elaborated even more on her process. We learned about the role of the distance point and her unique way of applying paint. What appeared to be a chaotic placement of figures was actually a strategic arrangement that she planned out carefully.

I enjoy going to these events such as this one. This reception was an opportunity to talk to other artists and art curators. It has become is easier for me to talk to these people who once seemed unapproachable. I now see that they all have their own advice for students.

Thank you for inviting us, Stephanie and Rebecca!

The FLAG Art Foundation

The view from the balcony