KIMBERLY DOW
Kimberly Dow is an American contemporary figurative and realist artist known for her narrative paintings that often celebrate the lives and stories of women with a sense of playful exuberance.
Her work is characterized by the following themes and attributes:
Narrative art: Dow sees herself as a storyteller, and her paintings are rooted in the tradition of realism with fine, detailed renderings of the human form.
Contemporary realism: While her style is realistic, it explores modern narratives.
Celebration of women: Many of her works explore contemporary themes that focus on the lives and empowerment of women.
Whimsical elements: Her "Dinner Party" series, for instance, features playful gatherings of animals and adds a whimsical touch to her scenes.
Exhibitions: Dow has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and it has been featured in various publications and collections.
Storytelling through technique
Focus on the human form: Dow's work features finely detailed, realistic renderings of the human body, capturing the underlying psychology and personal stories of her subjects.
Balancing realism with whimsy: She masterfully combines rich textures, luminous light, and deliberate compositions. In her "Dinner Party" series, this creates a surreal, delightful atmosphere where realistic animals gather at lavish tables, offering a sense of joyful escapism.
Attention to detail: Reviewers often praise the intricate details in her paintings. For instance, the tangled hair in a self-portrait or the lifelike appearance of flowers in another work shows her meticulous brushwork. This level of detail makes her subjects feel tangible and immediate to the viewer.
Emotional depth: While her work is often described as playful, it doesn't shy away from deeper emotional currents. She explores the "underlying currents of the female psyche," addressing personal stories and sometimes social issues through her contemporary narratives.
Contemporary approach to classical styles: Dow's technique and subjects are a modern take on classical figurative and narrative art. She uses these traditional skills to explore contemporary themes, such as the empowerment of women.
