Audrey Kawasaki

Mini Biography: Audrey was born March 31, 1982 in Los Angeles. She studied at Pratt Institute for 2 years but did not complete her degree. Her artwork is a mix of Japanese Magna and art nouveau. She focuses on painting young women who are portrayed as very erotic.  She has a muse that she has created to help her flow her artwork on to her wood panels.

Charlotte

24” x 24”

Graphite and Oil on wood panel

2011

Commentary on the work: “…Youth and innocence with death-elements of decay, bones and natures. It’s a reminder that all things are temporary, that life is sleeting”.

Background information: Kawasaki has always been intrigued by macabre beauty. This piece was a part of a series that heavily reflected her personal life. At the time she was feeling very distant and empty which is why she painted in such monotone colors.  She began to lose focus and became an unfamiliar person to herself. Despite these setbacks she was still able to create a beautiful masterpiece.

Relation to the exhibition: This piece goes into a grim fantasy world. The girl looks so innocent and vulnerable. She is surrounded by decaying bones which shows that she is comfortable with the idea of death. I think that this is also a dream-like state of mind but a gloomy one.