Episode 53 features photographer Tawny Chatmon. The primary theme that drives her art practice today is celebrating the beauty of black childhood. She is currently devoted to creating portraits that are inspired by artworks spanning various art periods in Western Art with the intent of bringing to the forefront faces that were often under-celebrated in this style of work. The camera remains Tawny’s primary tool of communication, while her constant exploration of diverse ways of expression moves her to add several different layers using a variety of mediums. After a portrait session is complete, she typically digitally manipulates her subjects and unites them with other components to achieve a work that is a new expression. Often lending to them the eyes of someone their elder and more wise and almost always exaggerating their hair and features in a celebratory way. Thereafter, Tawny may superimpose antique patterns and textures, collage vintage botanical and wildlife illustrations, or add hand-drawn digital illustrations. If she feels she is not yet complete, after each portrait is refined and printed, Tawny may combine paint and gold leaf adding ornamental elements inspired by 19th-century artworks. By experimenting with various art practices, she allows herself to follow no set of rules while creating instinctually and fluidly. Each layer serves its very own meaningful purpose. It is her hope that with each theme she explores and with each portrait she creates, something vital is etched into the memory of the viewer.
Upcoming Solo and Group exhibitions
- “Truth Be Told” group exhibition w/ Art Lead Her x Artsy March 2021 (NYC)
- Solo exhibition April 2021 at Galerie Myrtis (Baltimore, MD)
- Expo Chicago w/ Galerie Myrtis April 2021 (Chicago)
- “Beyond the Looking Glass” group exhibition at UTA June 25 – July 31, 2021 (Los Angeles)
- Solo exhibition at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery (Washington, DC)
https://www.focuscamera.com/wavelength/10-black-photographers-on-instagram-you-should-be-following/
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/06/tawny-chatmon-redemption-klimt/
The Revelation/Glory 24k gold leaf, acrylic, watercolor, ink, and gouache on archival pigment print
© Tawny Chatmon
Joy 24k gold leaf, acrylic, on archival pigment print
© Tawny Chatmon
The Redemption/Not on My Watch 24k gold leaf, acrylic, on archival pigment print
© Tawny Chatmon
