Kelly Moran

Kelly Moran
Houston, Texas, USA

STATEMENT

In my collage assemblages, I merge the realms of found paper and small objects, creating dynamic narratives that invite discovery within organized chaos. Each piece is constructed on wood, featuring intricately cut-out paper doll clothes—pulsing with personality and embedded with resin, some containing hidden treasures. My passion as an avid collector of vintage paper and discarded artifacts transforms the remnants of others into vibrant artworks. These treasures, sourced from estate sales and salvaged from the everyday, become the building blocks of my creations.

My energetic mixed media assemblages draw inspiration from contemporary events, personal experiences, and cultural narratives, reflecting on where we are now and where we have been. In doing so, I leave the narrative open, encouraging introspection and inviting viewers to become narrators of their own stories. The chaotic beauty in my work mirrors the complexity of life, urging an exploration of hidden meanings and connections.

The submitted works respond subtly to the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. This series serves as a commentary on the ongoing government intervention in personal medical decisions, particularly in light of the current war on trans individuals’ healthcare rights. By approaching these themes with nuance rather than confrontation, I hope to foster dialogue and reflection.

As I continue to create, I envision further explorations of these intricate intersections, where the personal and the political collide, inviting viewers to engage with their own narratives in a complex and ever-evolving landscape.

BIO

As an artist deeply rooted in the traditions of painting, printmaking and collage my work embodies a synthesis of craftsmanship and intuitive expression. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Louisiana Tech University, alongside advanced studies in ceramics at the University of Houston and textile arts in Jakarta, Indonesia, I draw upon diverse cultural experiences and artistic disciplines to inform my creations.

Throughout my career, I have been immersed in collaborative environments, notably as part of the artist collective Little Egypt Enterprises in Houston during the 1980s and as the associate director of Texas Collaborative from 2005 to 2011. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the creative process and the communal aspects of art-making. My teaching tenure at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts from 2011 to 2016 further solidified my commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in young artists.

My work, which resides in corporate and museum collections nationally, as well as in private collections worldwide, reflects a playful yet introspective dialogue with contemporary events and personal experiences. I strive to compose Collages and assemblages that resonate universally, characterized by their quirky aesthetics and intricate craftsmanship. My studio in Houston Heights serves as a sanctuary where I explore the intersections of my diverse training, allowing me to approach each piece with a sense of curiosity and exploration.

Through my work, I aspire to create a space for reflection, connection, and dialogue, inviting viewers to find their own meanings within the layers of texture and imagery. I am excited to share my journey and invite you to experience the world through my artistic lens.

ARTIST CONTACT

EMAIL | WEBSITE

IMAGES