Kelsey Irvin's artwork is a practice of collecting traces of peoples lives. Her work is very much related to memories and storylines. Her ephemera collages and mixed media works focuses often on a strong and independent woman.

Irvin is driven to bring new life to objects that may otherwise be lost and deteriorated in time. The challenge she seeks is to maintain a balance between working with such old objects and recreating them in a contemporary artwork that holds the test of time.

Listen to the Kelsey Irvin Conversation Podcast

“I find myself collecting traces of people’s lives. Memories misplaced in need of recognition; old letters; vintage matchbooks; boxes of aging paper treasure. Using vintage ephemera in my work is a way to pay homage to those memories, those lives. In a world that is becoming more digital each day, I’m driven to bring new life to objects that may otherwise be lost and deteriorated in time. The challenge I seek is to maintain a balance between working with such old objects and recreating them in a contemporary artwork that holds the test of time.

From Antoni Tàpies to Andrew Wyeth, I’ve admired artists with a deep sense of nostalgia. Their ability to bring life to the overlooked inspires me to the core.

The hats are a form of portraiture, each as unique as the person who chooses to wear it. The figures are often subtle beauties. This is another balance between the old and the new. Vintage elements expressed in contemporary times. These women tend to resemble those of the past. Their body language is more classic, less presumptuous, and their faces sometimes hidden. The hats they wear allow for anonymity and subtlety while expressing confidence and beauty at the same time.”

Discover available work by Kelsey Irvin at Exhibit Art + Object.