Pure Intentions 2022

Kayla Mahaffey made this compelling painting, Pure Intentions, sometime in the 20th century. The way she blends representation with almost cartoony abstract shapes is really striking. It’s clear that for Mahaffey, artmaking is a process of playful invention. The contrast between the smoothness of the skin tones and the almost decorative arrangement of the surrounding elements is so engaging. I'm especially drawn to the way the snake’s body curls around the hand holding the bird. It's a great little narrative – like temptation and innocence meeting, but in a really fresh and immediate way. Mahaffey’s work reminds me a bit of Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, in the sense that both artists are interested in creating images that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Ultimately, Mahaffey’s work invites us to embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations, reminding us that art is an ongoing conversation.