From paper, thread and gouache, artist from Chattanooga Hollie Chastain combines (formerly) ephemera and found materials into vibrant collages. Strips of paper are cut, woven and stitched into playful, abstract compositions.
The artist’s recent alien-inspired series came about somewhat by accident. “I was playing with scraps and an abstract surface design, and it ended up looking like a vague UFO shape, so I started working on it,” the artist tells Colossal.
Chastain’s playful series uses a limited palette of five colors, alongside vintage printing and a thin maple veneer for visual warmth. “Creating such a large collection with limited materials and colors is both challenging and extremely satisfying,” says Chastain. “I’m not overwhelmed by the options, but I still have to do my utmost to make each one unique.”
Some pieces have a more intentional UFO shape than others, and Chastain names them all after the name of a metropolis where UFO activity has been reported. “I blame David Duchovny,” she says.
Chastain is currently working towards a solo exhibition at the end of 2025 Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga. And if you’re in Colorado, you can see her work – including some UFOs Manes out, goons out bee Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride through Nov. 30. Find more about her website And Instagram.
