Chicago, IL — Harmony presents new large-scale paintings by Kayla Mahaffey, whose surrealist portraits center the inner lives of Black youth with technical precision and quiet emotional force. The exhibition marks a significant moment in the Chicago-based artist’s practice — an invitation to sit with what sustains us.
The works are monumental in scale and intimate in feeling.
Drawn from the South Side of Chicago, Mahaffey’s visual world is one of resilience and rootedness. Her figures do not perform for the viewer, they exist, fully, in their own worlds. Through a vibrant palette and layered surrealist imagery, she asks what it means to truly tend to one another: to show up, to listen, to protect the bonds that hold communities together.
A Promised Land anchors the exhibition, a vision of arrival, of something earned and claimed. Sanctuary and Sheltered extend that inquiry across two canvases, each 48 × 72 inches, figures cocooned in something larger than themselves. The scale is deliberate. These are not quiet paintings. They demand presence.
Harmony does not traffic in abstraction. It locates its argument in the body, in the figure, in the specific textures of Black life in America. What nourishes us, Mahaffey proposes, is not grand gesture but daily commitment, the steady, unglamorous work of being there for one another.
Harmony invites us to consider what we are building, and who we are building it for.
Works in Exhibition
“Harmony” reflects on the essence of human connection and the power of unity in
bridging our differences. It suggests that true harmony in society stems from the nur-
turing of our relationships and personal passions—those things that bring us joy and
fulfillment. This nurturing is not merely a passive act but an active commitment, re-
quiring time, attention, and effort.
Curatorial Overview
“Harmony” reflects on the essence of human connection and the power of unity in
bridging our differences. It suggests that true harmony in society stems from the nur-
turing of our relationships and personal passions—those things that bring us joy and
fulfillment. This nurturing is not merely a passive act but an active commitment, re-
quiring time, attention, and effort.
In our daily lives, we tirelessly work to build and maintain relationships with our fam-
ilies, friends, and the passions that inspire us. These connections are the pillars of our
existence, providing us with love, support, and a sense of belonging. They are the
sources of our strength, and in turn, we become their protectors, safeguarding the ties
that bind us.
Just as a beautifully constructed building needs care to remain strong, so do our re-
lationships. They require constant tending, with a focus on understanding, empathy,
and unwavering support. This means dedicating ourselves to truly listen to one anoth-
er, being present in times of need, and offering comfort and encouragement. When
we invest in these connections, we create a harmonious foundation that not only with-
stands life’s challenges but also enhances our collective experience, bringing us closer
together in a shared journey of growth and fulfillment.
Artist Statement
Exhibition Details
Harmony -
On view
October 18th, 2024
Location: Chicago, IL
Opening Reception: October 18th, 2024
About the Artist
Kayla Mahaffey, a rising star in contemporary art, captivates audiences with her striking portraits
that blend surrealism with deeply resonant themes. Growing up in the culturally rich and diverse
South Side of Chicago, Mahaffey’s work explores complex issues related to community, social per-
ceptions, and self-reflection.
Mahaffey employs a vibrant palette and imaginative elements to push the boundaries of visual
storytelling. Her work challenges viewers to confront profound truths about identity, communi-
ty, and authenticity, positioning her as a significant voice in the ongoing dialogue within the art
world and continuing the legacy of great surrealists who defy conventional perspectives.
For press images, interviews, or additional information:
Harmony - Exhibition Catalogue
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