Unwind 2020

Kayla Mahaffey’s 2020 painting, “Unwind”, showcases a dynamic composition where a young Black man is depicted with a head full of swirling, colorful abstract shapes. The bright, energetic colors of the abstract shapes contrast with the realism of the man’s features, hinting at a tension between the internal world and the outside environment. This work demonstrates Mahaffey's signature style, blending abstract elements with figurative imagery, and is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and internal life.