Constructing the Intimate explores the feminine in rich, layered works of art

TEMPE, Ariz. – Antique calligraphy styles, botanical elements, characters from children’s books, jewelry and dressmaker’s patterns … these are the images of Jennifer Kiraly’s rich, mixed media work, which combines painting with collage.

Kiraly’s deft combinations of color and imagery will be on display at ASU’s Harry Wood Gallery in her MFA thesis exhibition, Constructing the Intimate, March 3-7. A free opening reception will take place from 7-9 p.m., March 3.

Kiraly describes her works as reflections of fantasy, containing themes of attraction and femininity, but not perfection. The work is beautiful without becoming cloying.

The Herberger College of Fine Arts student is a painting major, but her works vary, incorporating diverse media and a combination of methods.

They shift from small pieces on fabric to large canvases and are created using a personal style that straddles abstraction and realism. All are rich in layers of imagery, providing a visual feast and what the artist hopes will be a thought-provoking dialogue with the viewer.

Music is a major inspiration for Kiraly, who tries to visually create patterns of rhythms and flows that are the equivalent of a musical symphony.

“ When I paint, I work from a stream of consciousness. I consider rhythm and movement as the painting is evolving. Color and paint application are as important as images in achieving visual rhythm and balance,” Kiraly said.

Kiraly’s work has been exhibited at numerous galleries, including the Modified Arts Gallery, Phoenix; Schemer Art Gallery, Scottsdale; Gallery at the Promenade, Naples, Florida; and the Fran Riedeman Gallery, Overland Park, Kansas.

She recently was commissioned to create a work for the American Heart Association’s local heart and stroke walk, set for Feb. 15. This painting is the first of a new collection that will be added to each year.

The Harry Wood Gallery’s hours are Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, members of the public should call (480) 965-6163.

The Harry Wood Gallery is one of three galleries on the ASU Tempe campus operated by students, staff and faculty of ASU’s School of Art in The Katherine K. Herberger College of Fine Arts. The Harry Wood Gallery features solo thesis exhibitions and group shows by graduate students pursuing master of fine arts (MFA) degrees and group shows by undergraduate students.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Pringle
480-965-8795
jennifer.pringle@asu.edu