YoYo Lander is a talented artist who creates elaborate portraits using individually stained snippets of watercolor paper. Each of her works begins with a photo session where she captures the sitter’s unique gestures, poses, and expressions. These reference images are then combined to create a singular composition that conveys a specific emotion or experience.
In her recent body of work, Lander dresses her sitters in the same green sweater, symbolizing personal and collective growth and transformation. The portraits are meticulously crafted to capture details like light hitting a cheekbone or the shadow of a garment fold. The textured, layered paper adds depth and intricacy to the already dynamic compositions when viewed up close.
You can see many of Lander’s works at her solo show, “Yesterday Was Hard,” at Phillips Los Angeles until October 11. The artist often shares insights into her creative process on Instagram, so be sure to check it out for more behind-the-scenes content.
Each portrait is a masterpiece on its own, showcasing Lander’s skillful collage technique and attention to detail. The images capture the essence of the sitters, evoking a sense of emotion and storytelling. Whether it’s a black woman in a green sweater or a white gown, each portrait tells a unique story that resonates with the viewer.
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