Margaret Ann Withers

Lives and works in New York, NY, USA

Artist statement

This new series, Can we talk? began as a summer project where I often explore a new art style or medium. This summer I decided to tackle pop art. I was inspired by the artist Claes Oldenburg (whose sculptures I often pass by in the 14th street subway station in NYC), Takashi Murakami and, to some extent Jeff Koons. Using my many characters and motifs from my other series, I also combined fantasy, surrealism and to some degree- figurative and internal landscapes. My intent is to show a desire for dialog between my new characters who are designed to be cute yet melancholic. Can we talk? is an exploration in conversation and, as often is the case in conversation, these creatures have no mouths (are muted) and they have no ears (not listening) but they are trying to communicate, no matter how flawed they are.

Artwork

• I am sure of hardly anything but the need to flee from all these words, 2019. flashe paint, acrylic on linen
• whisper your secrets into my mouth so that your shame can leak from my ears, 2019. acrylic and flashe paint on linen
• What is this beautiful ache of longing inside of you?, 2019. flashe paint, acrylic on linen
• Here I am- where are you? Sincerely, your entangled one., 2019. flashe paint, acrylic on linen
• Tell me if you are lonely and I'll forge a way to you., 2019. flashe paint, ink, acrylic on linen
• On A Whim and Whim At Last, sat around and gabbled and gassed, 2019. flashe paint, acrylic, ink on linen
• Late at night in the motel room of God, 2019. flashe paint, ink on linen