Karen McCool, "Fragile Like A Bomb"

Oil on canvas (framed)
 
20 x 16”
 
Cost of shipping not included
 
Karen McCool is a contemporary realist painter, working with oil paint in conjunction with sourced vintage photographs that serve as inspiration. Modern technology comes into frame, helping her to re-imagine or modify imagery used as reference. McCool’s interest in reminiscence took a leap after her mother developed dementia. “She loved looking through old photos, even when she didn’t recognize the people. This led to my fascination with memory, connection, and nostalgia. I’m happiest when I’m able to capture transient, often comical moments, that remind the viewer to share their memories and pass on their stories. (Preferably, the embarrassing ones, because if you can’t laugh at yourself, you should at least have the courtesy to let us do it for you),” she says. Using heavy brushstrokes and a bold palette, the resulting narratives encourage connection through memories, reminding viewers of our shared history and experiences as humans.
 
McCool was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in West Chester, PA where she lives today. She began her formal art practice in 2019, and has since had work exhibited in the greater Philadelphia area, with upcoming shows at Beacon Art Gallery (Stone Harbor, NJ) and The Chester County Art Association (West Chester, PA). McCool seeks to illustrate connection through nostalgic vignettes of daily life. Characterized by humor, the light-hearted renderings are created in an alla prima style with bold color.