Nabokov / Lempicka
Role
Personal project
Medium
watercolor, some digital collage, inkjet on watercolor paper
Size
13in x 19in
Exhibited in group show
SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York
May 2025
A portrait series exploring everyday laborers depicted in a style often exclusive to high society, inspired directly by the work of Tamara de Lempicka.
I aim to subvert her iconic portraits by replacing her aristocrat subjects with modern-day workers, elevating them to the same high status once reserved for the elite.
This series was in reaction to Vladimir Nabokov’s short story The Visit To The Museum.
The watercolor paintings respond to the themes of displacement and transformation in Nabokov’s text, while also reimagining the glamorous figures of yet another Russian exiled artist of the time: Tamara de Lempicka.
I aim to subvert her iconic portraits by replacing her aristocrat subjects with modern-day workers, elevating them to the same high status once reserved for the elite.
Execution Process
I first learned of Tamara De Lempicka’s life and art in the Broadway musical original, Lempicka. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of this bisexual artist of history. She was painting in Paris during the height of Art Deco 1920’s and 30’s. Having affairs with multiple genders and people was scandalous for her time. As a queer artist myself, I feel a great affinity to her. I consider her one of my queer elders of art history.
Early Explorations
I hope to spotlight the dignity of laborers, connecting their value to the fame we often associate with celebrities.
Exhibited in group show, SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York, 2025