About Los Angeles 2017

Carrie Graber's painting, "About Los Angeles", offers an intimate glimpse into a domestic space that speaks volumes about identity and cultural milieu. As an artist born in 1975, Graber's work is often engaged with the re-staging of a post-modern ideal. Here, the figure, presumably female, lounges amidst carefully curated furniture and decor. This echoes a lineage of women artists exploring the domestic space, yet Graber complicates the narrative. The woman is not performing domestic duties; instead, she’s reading "About Los Angeles," perhaps reflecting on her place within its complex cultural landscape. The presence of the cat adds another layer, suggesting companionship and a sense of belonging. The warm lighting and rich colors evoke a sense of comfort. However, the scene is so carefully arranged that there is an emotional distance, which asks us to question the constructed nature of identity and the performance of self in a city as iconic as Los Angeles.