Kay Kahn

“My work is a mosaic of fragments, collected experiences, information, and images. This mosaic is both ideological and visual. I like to begin with an idea that I allow to develop unhindered to encompass anything from the serious to the absurd. No thought is isolated and the simplest can build upon itself. Layers of connected thoughts revealed in a succession of images link and multiply in evolving variations. In my recent work, for example, I sometimes begin with just a word, but already this word comes with many meanings and connotations. Then I make a connection, a thin bridge, between each word and its images, and other perhaps abstract and veiled yet related ideas. My artworks are often labyrinths of intricate wordplay. I want the words to be read as fleeting and visual impressions that interact with the other stitched images. The figures in my work in combination with the words form a running commentary.”

With so many threads making up an intricate composition, I marvel at Khan’s work and her ability to combine many small parts to create a whole. Her wall works are especially astounding as they combine multiple elements to create an interesting-looking collage, filled with meaning and purpose. I am impressed by the skill and amount of patience it must take in order to create this works of art, especially with a medium that I am not very familiar with. It baffles me how single threads can come together to create what looks like a painting or mural upon a wall.