
Candied Garden (2024)
Candied Garden is an installation sparked from place, nostalgia and sweetness that’s composed of paintings, photos, and interactive elements. For years, I’ve explored comfort and its link with my upbringing. I’ve recreated objects and environments that have brought me and my audience so much comfort and joy over the past several years, focusing on iconic memorabilia (Bop Its, Ring Pops, etc.) from a shared youth.
Candied Garden is a collection of nostalgic delights - bittersweet, dreamy, and full of symbolism. It is resilience. It builds bridges from fantasy to reality, rewriting childhood narratives. Participants are invited to embrace youthful innocence, immersing themselves in the comforting, dreamy objects of childhood and savoring their own joy.
Sibling Photo: Donta, Jasmine, and Lakisha
Studies of large pieces
Young Me
"Jasmine: Poe", 2024. 8"x10". Acrylic on wood.
"Kisha: Discman", 2024. 8"x10". Acrylic on wood.
"Donta: NES", 2024. 8"x10". Acrylic on wood.
"Gummy Worm", 2024. 5"x7". Acrylic on canvas.
"Apple: Stitched n Stuffed", 2024. 5"x7". Acrylic on canvas.
"Elle Cookie", 2024. 4"x6". Acrylic on canvas.
"Camel Cookie", 2024. 5"x7". Acrylic on canvas.
"Furby", 2024. 8"x10". Acrylic on canvas.
"Dino Nugget I", 2024. 4"x6". Acrylic on canvas.
Candied Garden gallery view (detail)
Candied Garden gallery view
Candied Garden closing reception, gallery view
Candied Garden closing reception, gallery view
Candied Garden closing reception, artist talk
Candied Garden closing reception, gallery view
Candied Garden gallery view
Candied Garden gallery view
Candied Garden closing reception, artist talk