Kathleen O’Hara
What I (Do)n’t Wear
acrylic paint on panel
15” x 35”

DESCRIPTION
What I (Do)n’t Wear tackles the state of mind one enters after a traumatic
event and how that relates to the presentation of self. In the closet lay
clothes that were once worn frequently, that now lay untouched, hung up, or
crumpled up on the floor. Often after traumatic experiences, it’s difficult to
wear the clothes that once used to express vibrant emotions or might bring
to mind that event. Identity starts to wither, fading into the background of
not only one’s closet, but also the mind. The painting mourns this loss, and
reveals the state of disarray found when self-expression is burdensome.

INSTA @kindlykathleen
WEBSITE 
EMAIL- kmohara@cia.edu

BIO

Kathleen O’Hara is a conceptual artist based in Chicago, IL. They are currently pursuing their BFA in Painting at the Cleveland Institute of Art. In making  their work they pull inspiration from their queer identity to create art that will reach their fellow community members. At the age of seventeen O’Hara received both the Hanna-Feldstein and the CIA Gund Family Scholarship supporting their pursuit of higher education in the arts. During their time at CIA, O’Hara has appeared in several exhibitions including, The 100 Sale, in 2023, Get A Real Job, in 2024. During her undergraduate career O'Hara has also sold work in their school holiday sale, in 2023 and 2024, as well as part of the Streetz Arts Alliance in Chicago in 2023.


SECONDARY PIECE