Photos by Elodie Hekimian-Brogan
My work is inspired by the struggles and perks that come with being a woman, such as objectification, harassment, chivalrous gestures, and the potency of feminine sexuality. Through drawing and painting, I produce confrontational and emotionally charged imagery. Creating overtly sexualized, irritated female figures and self-portraits allows me to express my frustrations with womanhood and patriarchal systems. I use saturated colors, uncanny expressions, and satirical writing that commands the viewers' attention. By doing so, I cause the viewer to question their relationship with feminine power. Self-portraiture allows me to delve into past experiences of heartbreak, backhanded friendships, parental absence, and things I wish I had said. As a result, my work resonates with a broad audience and highlights the emotional experiences we commonly share.
Kaia King-Hall was born in 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida. She is currently majoring in Art at the University of California, Irvine. King-Hall has been a part of various shows including Are You Seen? at the Barrett Art Gallery, Santa Monica and Eclectic Collective at Ouro Gallery, Los Angeles. King-Hall has been awarded the Ronn Davis Art Scholarship, the Stiefel/Dockweiler Art Scholarship, the James & Lucille Cayton Award, and the Benjamin Raj Sugar Memorial Scholarship. King-Hall was also a highlighted artist in KCRW’s Young Creators Project in 2022.