Karen Michael’s new body of work is drawn from her views of herself and her place in the world, and from her critical examination of the visual images that inspire her. In this work she examines herself and her life, the connections between her corporate persona, her unequivocal feminism and her inherently creative, loving and compassionate soul. These motifs are viewed by Karen through a clear feminist lens and the new paintings are the result.
Strong phallic skyscrapers form the base layer of her paintings. They sit strongly, heavily in the centre of the visual plane. They are infused subtly with feminist terminology that has informed Karen’s life in the corporate world. Superimposed on this backdrop are the colourful, vibrant and life affirming images of blooms in all their feminine glory. Unabashedly sexual. Juxtaposing the male organ underneath.
