Deedee Cheriel – When Brown Chicks Take Over the World

Exhibition Dates: March 4th – April 1st, 2017

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 4th, 7 - 10pm

RSVP Essential to rsvp@kpprojects.net // Guest List at the door

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 6pm

Through folkloric imagery, Cheriel retells contemporary histories. In one painting, a snake stares into the eyes of lady-bird reading a book in a tree; inspired by Victor Jara, a Chilean musician who was martyred for his outspoken criticism of the Chilean dictatorship of the 70’s.  The work references the notion that you cannot kill knowledge or ideas. In another work, a bird navigates its path into the future atop an owl, hinting at the importance of the use of science to determine fact, and the spreading of truth to protect future generations amidst the current climate of repression of free speech.

Many of Cheriel’s iconographic references relate to issues at the forefront of our current society; a celebration of diverse and varied culture, represented by the animals coming together in unity rather than divided by their inherent differences. Another piece titled 'History Will Be Rewritten by the Losers' features two incredibly strong, dark-skinned horsewomen caring a mountain size stone, an allusion to the monumental shifting of nature and how we can recreate environments with effort and dedication. 

Stylistically, some of Cheriel’s reduced compositions carry richer tones of azure and charcoal grey and reference 60s modernism in the use of bright color and simple pop art compositions. These works, alongside the artist’s trademark creamy naturalistic backgrounds, continue to evolve her animal symbolism and narrative. The paintings join ancient legend with modern life, predator with prey, east with west, and man with beast – weaving an appropriately complex and optimistic tapestry of the societal fusion that defines our contemporary world.  

Deedee Cheriel entered the art world as a teenager, designing T-shirts and record covers for the Oregon music scene of the early ‘90s. By nineteen, she had joined several bands, founded her own record label, and co-created the semi-autobiographical film Down and Out With Dolls.  She has lived and exhibited in many countries, including Denmark, Honduras, Chile, England, Portugal, Spain, and India. Now based in Los Angeles, Cheriel’s work is rooted in her deep love of nature and keen observations on interpersonal relationships.