Magic and whimsy abound in the fantastic watercolor dioramas of Shannon Taylor – Colossal

an outstretched palm holds gold open compacts with tiny garden scenes and ghosts inside
an outstretched palm contains golden open compacts with small garden scenes and ghosts within them
All images courtesy of Hashimoto Contemporary, shared with permission

Hidden within vintage compacts are magical worlds full of whimsy and mischief, carefully conceived by Shannon Taylor. The Oakland artist transforms (formerly) antique ships into lush breeding grounds for fantastical creatures, spirited gatherings, and the occasional vampire character.

Taylor’s solo exhibition Night market opens at Hashimoto contemporary next month with a stunning collection of works that provide a glimpse into the strange events that take place after darkness.

Each miniature scene, carefully cut from watercolor paintings with a precision knife, lures the viewer into an enchanting environment that appears much more robust than the centimeter-wide frame. Taylor’s recent works evoke intricately layered stories of supernatural rituals and a moon passionate about its own likeness, which, at the right angle, is reflected in the mirrored pond below.

Night market runs from November 9 to 30 in Los Angeles. Until then, you can find more of Taylor on Instagram.

a gif of a hand opening a diorama. a watercolor pond with lush plants and water lilies is nested in an antique compact. a darkened figure is on the upper portion
a gif of a hand opening a diorama showing a garden with a human skeleton on its back
a watercolor pond with lush plants and water lilies is nested in an antique compact. a darkened figure is on the upper portion
four golden frog compacts with green eyes rest in an outstretched palm

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