Featured image: The Collector, Kathryn Humphrey, 2024, mixed media, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
Kathryn Humphrey’s mixed media creations unite the raw power of ancient tribal masks with modern minimalism.
Kathryn Humphrey is an artist whose mixed media works explore the intersection of ancestral traditions and modern minimalism, creating timeless symbolic forms.
Her 2024 series, "Ghost Tribe," reawakens the primal energy of ancestral rituals, offering a poignant tribute to shared humanity. Using materials such as styrofoam, paper mache, and tempera, Humphrey’s works bridge the past and present, confronting viewers with hauntingly beautiful designs.
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Goddess, Kathryn Humphrey, 2024, mixed media, 30 x 24 in. / 76.2 x 60.96 cm.
This 30 x 24-inch mixed media piece captures the essence of divine femininity through its textured, mask-like surface. Crafted from styrofoam, paper mache, and tempera, the "Goddess" evokes a powerful sense of presence. The central eye motif, paired with circular and linear details, invites interpretations of wisdom and protection. Humphrey’s use of muted tones accentuates the sculptural depth of the piece, emphasizing its connection to ancient deities while maintaining a minimalist, modern appeal.
The Twins, Kathryn Humphrey, 2024, mixed media, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
Measuring 36 x 24 inches, "The Twins" features dual mask-like forms—one black, one white—arranged vertically against a textural, gray-toned background. Crafted with paper mache, gesso, plastic, and tempera, the piece symbolizes duality and unity. The stark contrast between the masks highlights the tension and harmony between opposing forces, such as light and darkness, individuality and connectedness. The composition’s simplicity enhances its symbolic weight, inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of opposites.
The Elder, Kathryn Humphrey, 2024, mixed media, 36 x 48 in. / 91.44 x 121.92 cm.
At 36 x 48 inches, "The Elder" is the largest piece in the "Ghost Tribe" series. Made from styrofoam, paper mache, and gesso, the artwork exudes a commanding presence. The circular mask design, with its symmetrical details and central figure, evokes the wisdom and authority of ancestral guides. Humphrey’s minimalist approach enhances the work’s gravitas, while its textured white surface underscores themes of purity and timelessness. "The Elder" stands as a testament to the enduring power of heritage and tradition.
Kathryn Humphrey’s "Ghost Tribe" series masterfully blends ancient aesthetics with modern minimalism. Through her use of simple materials and symbolic forms, she creates a visual dialogue that bridges ancestral traditions and contemporary sensibilities. Her works are both a celebration of shared roots and a meditation on the universal themes of unity, duality, and wisdom. "Ghost Tribe" offers viewers a profound opportunity to connect with the primal energy of humanity’s collective past.
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The Sun, Kathryn Humphrey, 2024, mixed media, 44 x 44 in. / 111.76 x 111.76 cm.
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