Chris Vierra

My paintings serve as witness to regression of women’s freedoms. I begin with symbols — ancient and invented — that represent men, women, and the female experience. Concepts such as power, control, discord, and fertility are also embedded in my symbolic language. Using repetition and variation, I connect and overlap forms into layered patterns. In some paintings the configurations are balanced, while others are intentionally asymmetric.

Color choices often reference historical associations and psychology as well as employing color theory. After testing combinations and tones, I set limited palettes. Layering oil paint over a smooth ground of sanded gesso, individually mixed colors create illusions of transparencies and shapes that contrast and mingle. The final finish of the paintings is smooth, fabric-like, referencing tapestries and the work of women.

There is a subversive element to my work because symbolic meaning is not always obvious — it hides beneath formalist rigor — so some works include companion pieces that serve as a legend, defining shapes and forms.