Surreal Portraits Celebrate “Mother Earth” With Women Made Out of Nature

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Artist Brian Kirhagis (aka BK The Artist) couples socially conscious concepts with surrealist subject matter to craft distinctive paintings. Challenging the capabilities of the human mind, he presents viewers with multi-layered imagery, combining several styles and motifs into complex compositions. This artistic approach is evident in EARTH, a recent body of work that celebrates the “Sacred Mother” through striking female portraiture.

Each powerful portrayal features a woman composed entirely of lush plants, colorful flowers, and sinuous wood. In most depictions, the figures are set in wild nature and appear meditative, embodying the spirit of the mythological “Mother Earth.” Ethereal yet earthly and both human and vegetation, the women illustrate Kirhagis' interest in “weaving together double images” in order to create eye-catching and thought-provoking narratives.

Though seemingly conveyed as goddesses, the figures in EARTH also represent real-life women. With their confident poses and contemplative expressions, the figures convey a combination of strength and serenity. Through this symbolism, Kirhagis aims to recognize and empower the modern woman—a goal that is central to his artistic practice. “Kirhagis speaks to the current culture of accountability and the sincere need for respect and understanding of women in today’s world,” Treason Gallery explains. “The conversations in his work have always been charged, and EARTH is no different.”

EARTH, a solo exhibition, will be on view at Seattle's  Treason Gallery from February 1 through February 24, 2018. If you can't make it to the gallery, you can also take a virtual tour of exhibit.

For EARTH, his new exhibition at Treason Gallery, artist Brian Kirhagis explores the concept of Mother Earth.

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Kirhagis meticulously paints each female portrait, which features a woman made entirely out of flora.

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Mother Earth Female Portrait Brian Kirhagis Treason Gallery

Brian Kirhagis: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Treason Gallery: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Treason Gallery.

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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