ABOUT SUSAN:
Lost in the Supermarket is a new series of paintings created during the pandemic that were inspired by vintage supermarket signs. The imagery highlights themes of gender, body image, anxiety and isolation. Tarot cards, canned goods, vintage valentines and even ancient Japanese ghosts like Nure-onna make an appearance in these vibrant and irreverent paintings! “Lost in the Supermarket” series consists of five paintings: “Eggs 47 ”, “Sliced Bacon”, “Pillsbury Flour”,“Salad Dressing 35 cents” and Spam-Why Can’t They Understand”(mixed media and oil pastels on board, 30 x 22”, 2020).
The Three Corsets are another series that continues to explore similar themes and ideas with work in oil pastels and mixed media. The Three Corsets are: “Madame Hortensia” “ Come Inside” and “Get a Brian”-(mixed media and oil pastels on board, 24 x 32”, 2020).
“Ghosts saw it Coming” is her stunning new collection of small paintings that celebrate the humble Sardine. Sardines have been a favorite subject for artists throughout history. Dutch Old Masters painted them, as did 19th and 20th Century artists like Soutine and Bonnard. Susan hopes to turn these beautiful tinned treasures into an artist book(Oil pastels and mixed media on paper, 9 x 11”, 2020).
In 2019, Susan illustrated the books “Miss Melancholy” and “Flower Parade” based on songs by Book of Love. The books were celebrated at book signing at Printed Matter NYC as well as a solo show of paintings in New Hope, PA. She is currently at work illustrating another project: “Love Spells from Apples to Zinnias”, a book about Green Witchcraft.
A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art, with a degree in painting and illustration. Susan is part of a long tradition of art students turned musicians, and throughout her music career she has continued to create her visual art. Susan’s paintings have been shown in solo and group shows over the years in NYC galleries such as: The Thread Waxing Space, Archetype Gallery and Milk Studios. She has also designed sets for music videos and off-Broadway theatre.
ARTIST REPRESENTATION:
info@susanottaviano.com