Folk Art and Bold Geometric Shapes Flourish in Lisa Congdon’s Joyful Paintings

Art
Illustration

#acrylic
#birds
#folk art
#Lisa Congdon
#painting

Folk Art and Bold Geometric Shapes Flourish in Lisa Congdon’s Joyful Paintings

January 26, 2023

Grace Ebert

All images © Lisa Congdon, courtesy of Chefas Projects, shared with permission

A sense of lively optimism permeates Lisa Congdon’s work. Through vibrant palettes of yellows, pinks, and blues, the Portland-based artist pairs bold geometries with folk art symbols, rendering abstract compositions or minimal scenes that capture a joyful outlook. Her acrylic paintings are on view now at Chefas Projects as part of The Opposite of Sorrow, a solo show that considers what it means to be positive. “One cannot know joy without also knowing darkness,” Congdon says, sharing that her practice originated as an antidote to depression. “It was through art that I began to see and feel the beauty of life and to feel happy for the first time.”

The Opposite of Sorrow is on view through February 11. If you’re in Portland, Congdon runs a shop with originals, prints, and other goods. Otherwise, find more of her paintings and illustrations on her site and Instagram.

#acrylic
#birds
#folk art
#Lisa Congdon
#painting

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