Mead Carney is proud to present 'LIDL Women' a new series of paintings and collages by American artist Kirtland Ash.
As a retail model, LIDL - the German global discount supermarket chain - is an interesting metaphor. For many at first glance, LIDL could easily be dismissed as a low-end retailer of low pricing and 'back to basics' retailing. However, many a remarkable product can be found at a LIDL store if you simply know what you are looking for.
The characters of LIDL Women are a medley of body parts; meticulously painted constructs of limbs and body parts that have been selected from various sources - books, newspapers and glossy magazines. A 'connect' between surgery and beautification whilst also questioning society's perceived notion of beauty, identity and femininity continually thrust upon us by the media.
LIDL Women also reflect how modern women construct their own identity, paying homage to the past and taking influence from the many ideals of beauty whilst using brand awareness as a means of enhancing self-esteem. The collage of body parts from various models, actresses and anonymous women create an identity of their own, each with a persona and character. Confrontational, coy, flirtatious and self-indulgent.
Perhaps the LIDL Women, each holding LIDL carrier bags, are a metaphor for the 'baggage we carry' in an age of extreme materialism and consumerism. Or perhaps a view on ever-changing beauty and the quest for the perfect female form.
Kirtland was born in Portland, Oregon, USA and raised in Vancouver, Canada. Having spent over ten years painting in Los Angeles, he currently works in London and has works in a number of private collections. Notable collectors include Keanu Reeves, Sam Nazarian, Raynold Gideon and Ken Jordan.