Catherine Graffam

Typically, I find artists statements to be an overwrought method for creative types to explain a body of work that has no natural cohesive connection to itself but sometimes you run across an explanation that gives you an enhanced appreciation for the work. Such is the case for Catherine Graffam, a New Hampshire artist that works largely in figurative portraiture. This one simple statement casts the work in a different light:

Self portraiture is a way of cathartically processing my emotions, and regaining agency over my body as a queer trans woman living with a chronic illness.

A series of self portraits can feel overly self-indulgent but not when viewed through the lens of defining one's own agency on their own life. It's a nice reminder that the artists intent does make a difference and it's not always on the beholder to interpret the work.

Take it all in. via Jeremy.