Six Works by Katy Horan

My work examines female roles and representation found throughout history and mythology. I pull from a variety of sources, using mixed references and visual fragments to construct new versions of recurring figures and familiar narratives. I intend the image to be at once identifiable and ambiguous, inviting the viewer’s imagination and personal associations to inform their interpretation.

My process begins with research and study. I pull visual inspiration and ideas from a wide variety of sources including film, literature, folk art and music. I then rearrange these fragments of imagery and information to create paintings, illustrations and drawings. This process allows me to explore an array of interests that range from Victorian spinsterhood to classic ghost stories and the archetypal witch figure. Most recently, my research has focused on folk superstitions and witch tales from the Ozark and Appalachian regions.