Drawing inspiration from notions of transformation, mortality, and femininity, Haley Josephs (American, b. 1987; lives and works in New York) paints solitary figures in fantastical yet foreboding environments that transcend time and space. A recurring character within Josephs’ work is the artist’s late sister, who is often evoked in bold, almost daring, portraits that amalgamate intimate and personal narratives of the artist with the universal human condition. Her enigmatic paintings are colorful and whimsical yet also present a dark twist. An underlying sense of power and balance pervades her works, hinting a moment of liberation from one’s ostensibly everlasting psychological conflicts. Josephs’ paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her work is in the collection of the X Museum, Beijing.

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