Kathy Weaver

Kathy Weaver’s latest paintings are a series of figures titled “Avatars”, gouache on handmade Twinrocker paper, 40” x 14”. The intent of the Avatar series is to focus attention on particular behaviors exhibited around us in this time of racial inequality, cultural upheaval, climate change, pandemic, and the deepening economic divide. Weaver uses the tall, narrow format to emphasize the corporality of the figure. These characters are ready to act, challenge, persevere. In true Avatar fashion, they possess the different emotional and behavioral qualities humans project to the world. There is a crystallization of character through pattern design, intense color, and hard edges.

In her world travels Weaver was especially drawn to temple paintings, batik deigns, Persian miniatures and Japanese woodblock prints. From childhood on, she immersed herself in a world of comic books and pop culture. There the skill of the artist is demonstrated by emphasis on action, dynamic composition, and color. In Weaver’s work the detailed application of pattern draws people into the image. It is left to the viewer to examine the various behaviors the Avatars embody and then to identify with the avatar they choose. The Avatars are a more elaborate extension of ourselves.

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