Family Portraits

'Gertrude and Ralph' - Kathleen O'Hara
'Gertrude and Ralph', 2019, milk paint on canvas with curtain, 27 x 20 x 3"
'Arthur and Augusta' - Kathleen O’Hara
'Arthur and Augusta', 2018, mixed media, installation view
'Arthur' - Kathleen O’Hara
'Arthur', 2018, mylar and latex on canvas with curtain, 27 x 20 x 3"
'Augusta' - Kathleen O’Hara
'Augusta', 2018, latex on canvas with curtain, 27 x 20 x 3"
'Cowboys' - Kathleen O'Hara
'Cowboys', 2019, milk paint on canvas with curtain, 27 x 20 x 3"
'Blue Stars' - Kathleen O’Hara
'Blue Stars', 2019, milk paint on canvas with curtain, 27 x 20 x 3"
'Confession' - Kathleen O’Hara
'Confession', 2019,
contact paper, milk paint and latex with curtain, 71 x 13 x 5"

Statement

Her [O’Hara’s] patterned panels veiled by sheer curtains are a kind of family portrait. Each pattern is chosen to represent a unique personality and the curtain signifies the space between our recognition of each person and their actual self. The space between perception and reality is fortified by her acute attention to how edges align, the shadows of folded paper, and nostalgic color. In the end, O’Hara compels us to trust our memories, and have faith in multi-layered truths.

Candice Smith Corby
Artist
Director, Carole Calo Gallery, Stonehill College