Karla Black

Karla Black uses unusual materials which are non-traditional materials combined with traditional,  within her practice. Using personal cosmetics such as body moisturizer creams, cling film, powder, hair spray, lipstick etc, which I find interesting allows Black to create a personal subject. Black uses her materials in a delicate substance as they consist of translucency. The materials have a familiarity within the audience and Black herself, through touch and scent, a tangible sense creating a nostalgia presence reflecting a sense of memories. This could reflect the near death experience of "seeing the light" as you have flash back of all your memories creating a sense of nostalgia. 

  I find this interesting as it reflects a sense of memoirs, nostalgia and spiritual energy which reflects an near death experience. I feel the textile of these surface replicate an abstraction of moths which I believe symbolize these characteristics. 

Forget about Faces 2008
 Mixed Media
 (Cling film, body moisturizing creams, cellotape, paint)

Forget about Faces 2008,
Detail 

Black has presented her work suspended from a wall from a lower point of view, allowing the audience to look down on the subject, which could highlight Blacks sensitivity of her personal body form or life, as this piece is very personal. The fact is positioned on the floor could suggest that Black has reflected upon it, it's almost like a memorial suggestive of death.