Deep Purple: Juliana Yorba

This week, I visited Deep Purple, an art show exhibiting recent works by Sac State student, Juliana Yorba. The art show was held at the R.W. and Joyce Witt Gallery in Kadema Hall from February 17 to February 21.
Juliana Yorba, Exhausted, 2018, acrylic on wood, 4'x5'

Artist Statement

"Florescent sunburns fill the posed figure's skin as they exist in their normal habitats. Purple fills the dark corners of the picture plane. These colorful worlds are how I produce art, inspired by everyday occurrences. Walking down the street, goin to work or studying in the library; individuals are not safe from observation. Are these paintings about you? Maybe."

Exhausted attains Yorba's statement with its obvious purple theme and depiction of a student who is experiencing the effects of schoolwork. Not only is this a relatable artwork, but it captures Yorba's idea that no one is safe from observation. Aside from the content, she uses different values of purple very effectively in order to create a sense of depth and space. The use of different values is especially skillful on the main subject as the folds in the clothing helps evoke a form and movement.
Artist Juliana Yorba at her Deep Purple exhibition reception

Entrance to the R.W. and Joyce Witt Gallery

Use of Color

Not all of Yorba's paintings consisted of just purple values. There were many paintings that included a wide use of different hues. The color placement in these paintings resulted in a very affective image. The combination of colors builds a great form, such as in Fetal Position. The use of lighter values makes objects appear as if they are coming out at you while also creating an illuminating effect. The use of darker values adds depth to the image.

When discussing her paintings, Yorba stated that she likes to use color in an unnatural way, where it's almost unexpected. I think she achieves this very well as her paintings use colors in a way that you wouldn't expect to see in real life, yet it still creates a convincing image.
Juliana Yorba, Fetal Position, 2018, oil on wood, 40"x50"

Juliana Yorba, Quality Family Time, 2018, oil on wood, 40"x50"

Juliana Yorba, Interaction, 2018, oil on wood, 30"x40"

Stereotypes

Yorba had also mentioned that she likes to incorporate stereotypes of people into her work. For example, Quality Family Time demonstrates today's use of technology to a point where people cease to interact with each other, even if they're right next to each other. I also thought this painting had a very affective composition to demonstrate how far away people can be from each other mentally and emotionally even though they are physically close to one another. 

Interaction is also a great example of the stereotype that society only focuses on women's bodies/outer beauty. In this image, a boy interacts with a nude female who has an "ideal" physique. However, she lacks a head, therefore, she also lacks identity or personality. She is literally an object.

Other Media

Other examples of Yorba's recent works consisted of pottery, graphite, and, mixed media. I thought this showed Yorba's range to create with different materials very well. 
Juliana Yorba, Knives, 2017, pencil on paper, 18"x24"
Juliana Yorba, Untitled, 2020, fabric/mixed media, 10'x4'
I really enjoyed viewing the Deep Purple art show. The artworks displayed were visually interesting and showed the artist's skill at using color.

To view more of Juliana Yorba's art, visit her Instagram: @julianayorbaart 
Interior of the Deep Purple art show at R.W. and Joyce Witt Gallery
Entrance of the Deep Purple art show

Comments

  1. ElaineFebruary 25, 2020 at 10:01 AM

    An excellent review! Well written with great pictures. Your interview of Juliana Yorba adds so much to our appreciation of her work.

    ReplyDelete

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