In a world grappling with the shadows of monumental challenges, Calida Rawles, a Los Angeles-based painter, employs her art as a conduit for contemplation and rebirth. Her latest series, “A Certain Oblivion,” is a profound reflection on light and darkness, both in the artistic realm and the larger tapestry of our times. As Rawles articulates, “It feels like a very dark moment in our history,” referencing the trifecta of the Roe v. Wade overturning, the climate crisis, and the global impact of COVID-19. Yet, in the heart of this darkness, she sees an opportunity for introspection and the promise of a new dawn, remarking, “Before there’s light, there’s darkness.”
Rawles’ thoughtful approach transpires into her canvas with a serene yet powerful depiction of young women and girls, seemingly adrift in water, their gazes fixed towards the light. “What I love about water is what it does to the body, of abstracting the form,” Rawles reflects, capturing the essence of change and evolution through her aquatic imagery. This sentiment resonates with the dynamic nature of life, as she adds, “We’re always in motion. We’re always growing, changing, evolving and moving.”
With her first major solo exhibition on the East Coast at Lehmann Maupin, New York, Rawles presents her visual philosophy to a broader audience. Her meticulous process, involving her daughters in creating reference photographs for the paintings, emphasizes a collaborative spirit. “It was a team affair and girl power, creating this work,” she reveals, attributing the collective effort to the empowering ethos of the exhibition.
Engaging with the story of Lilith in her work, Rawles confronts the historical and contemporary issues of women’s rights. “If you streamline the story, that idea of a woman being demonized for wanting equality fascinated me,” she says, connecting past narratives with current realities.
Her art serves as both an archive and a beacon. “Part of me as an artist is recording where we are today… for historical context and as record-keeping for myself or our culture,” she asserts. Rawles documents the present and nurtures hope for the future, imbuing her daughters with the strength to “reimagine what they want their existence to be.”
Calida Rawles is a testament to art’s resilience and potential to navigate tumultuous times. Through the veils of “A Certain Oblivion,” she invites viewers to witness a realm where light perennially triumphs over darkness, and hope remains an unyielding force. As she seamlessly intertwines the personal with the universal, her work resonates as a reminder that even in the darkest waters, the human spirit can find its way toward the light.