Introducing Susan Arena, and her magical menagerie.
I have followed Susan Arena’s work for years now and have always been drawn to her intriguing manner of combining animal and human natures. Somehow the animal features make the humans more truthful, more human... or is it the other way around?
In the Artist’s words,
“In my painting I work to create a world like that of the fairy-tale: where fear, shame, corruption and anxiety can exist at the same time as humor, hope, innocence, and wonder. Though the images, at first glance, are often playful or humorous, they also reveal a darker and more complex world.”
Susan's work references the animal symbolism found in the art of Ancient Egypt, American folk art, cartooning, and Indian miniature painting; artwork she admires for its simplicity and ability to convey profound truths while also possessing great charm.
She also created an entire alphabet series, on paper, which is a true masterpiece. Here are two letters for the series, C and J, below. It was very hard to choose, so be sure to see all of these charmers at this link.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
