Loie Hollowell's Provocative Paintings: Exploring the Intersection of Feminism, Sexuality, and Spirituality

Loie Hollowell's art is a captivating exploration of the human form, blending elements of feminism, sexual freedom, and transcendental spirituality. Her retrospective exhibition, "Space Between, a Survey of Ten Years," showcases her unique ability to transform landscapes into sensual, evocative canvases that challenge traditional perceptions of the body and its representation in art.

Unlocking the Intimate Narratives of Hollowell's Visionary Artworks

Bridging Figuration and Abstraction

Hollowell's art is a harmonious fusion of the tangible and the ethereal, where the human body and otherworldly landscapes coexist in a captivating dance. Her large, three-dimensional canvases seamlessly blend painting and sculpture, creating a multidimensional experience that invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the sensual and spiritual realms she portrays.One particularly striking example is a series of bas-relief paintings that chart the dilation of the cervix during childbirth, with three-dimensional bellies protruding from the canvas. These works, Westfall notes, "can reward different kinds of audiences in different ways," blending humor, eroticism, and a profound exploration of the female experience.

Reclaiming the Feminine Narrative

Hollowell's art is a powerful statement of female empowerment and self-expression. Her paintings, which she has described as "porn for myself," are a bold reclamation of the female form and a celebration of sexual freedom. By depicting intimate bodily landscapes, she challenges traditional notions of propriety and invites the viewer to confront their own biases and preconceptions about the female body.The artist's personal experiences, such as her decision to have an abortion in 2013, have also profoundly shaped the trajectory of her work. Hollowell has spoken about the "tumultuous" period that followed, but also the "empowering" nature of the experience, which she has sought to express through her art. This deeply personal and vulnerable approach to her subject matter is a hallmark of Hollowell's practice, as she invites the viewer to engage with the complexities of the female experience.

Transcendental Influences and Artistic Lineage

Hollowell's art is informed by a rich tapestry of artistic influences, from neo-tantric and transcendental painting to the work of pioneering female artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, Judy Chicago, and Hilma af Klint. This eclectic blend of inspirations allows Hollowell to create a unique visual language that bridges the personal and the universal, the earthly and the divine.Westfall, the interim director of the ICA at VCU, notes that Hollowell's art "has always been a willingness to make her personal embodied experience readily available in a courageous and vulnerable way." This commitment to authenticity and self-expression has earned Hollowell critical acclaim and a growing following, as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary painting.

Formal and Material Sophistication

Hollowell's technical prowess is equally impressive as her conceptual depth. Westfall describes her paintings as "absolutely masterfully put together" and "really exquisite, breathtaking objects," with a high degree of "formal sophistication" and "material sophistication." The artist's meticulous attention to detail and her mastery of a wide range of media, from oil paint to resin and foam, contribute to the visual impact and tactile allure of her work.The retrospective exhibition at the ICA at VCU offers a comprehensive overview of Hollowell's artistic journey, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of her practice and the refinement of her unique visual language. As Westfall notes, the show provides "a great, great crash course in who Loie is as an artist and what she's been up to," showcasing the depth and breadth of her creative vision.