From individually colored pieces of watercolor paper, YoYo Lander collages extensive portraits.
Each work begins with a photo session in which the artist focuses on capturing the sitter’s unique gestures, poses and expressions. She then combines the reference images into a unique composition that conveys a certain emotion or experience.
In a recent body of work, Lander dresses her sitters in the same green sweater, with the related knit symbolizing personal and collective growth and transformation. Similar to earlier pieces like ‘Hold That Thought #1’ and ‘The Parts of Me That Get No Applause #2’, the more recent portraits are dynamic and impeccably constructed to convey light falling on a cheekbone or the shadow of a fold of clothing . Viewed up close, the textured, layered paper adds enormous complexity and depth to the already vibrant compositions.
Many works shown here can be seen in Lander’s solo exhibition Yesterday was difficult through October 11 at Phillips Los Angeles. The artist regularly shares glimpses of her process Instagramso head there for more.
