Origin: New York City, USA
Currently Exhibiting in: New York City
Website: Kelly Harris FX
Social Media: Instagram
Bio:
Kelly Harris is a freelance special effects (SFX) makeup artist and prop maker with over 10 years of experience in the art department industry. Based in New York City, Kelly’s expertise spans across both the film and commercial sectors, working on a diverse range of projects from feature films to high-profile clients such as Disney, Saks 5th Avenue, and Tiffany’s. As a member of IATSE Local 798, Kelly’s work is known for its innovation, attention to detail, and ability to bring the surreal to life.
Kelly’s work moves beyond the screen and stage, venturing into the realm of fine art where folk-inspired masks and sculptures take on a life of their own. Their artistic practice is rooted in a love for the dark and the macabre, drawing upon folk traditions to create haunting, otherworldly pieces that evoke mystery and curiosity. Through the manipulation of organic materials like branches and fibers, Kelly Harris breathes new life into traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.
Featured Artwork at Bushwick Gallery
1. Heksire
Year of Creation: 2024
Medium: Mixed Media Sculpture
Price: 2,500
Description:
This folk art-inspired mask/sculpture by Kelly Harris is a haunting and evocative piece that merges traditional folk influences with the artist’s distinct macabre style. The sculpture features a multi-faced mask bound with organic materials like branches and dark textures, creating an unsettling yet captivating figure. Its structure, with twisted branches framing the faces, gives the piece an eerie, almost otherworldly presence, drawing viewers into the artist’s exploration of identity and transformation.
The use of organic materials speaks to Kelly’s background in prop-making, while the handcrafted nature of the piece reflects a deep connection to folk traditions. The mask itself seems to blur the lines between human and spirit, existing in a liminal space where folklore and contemporary art meet. This piece is a powerful example of Kelly’s ability to transcend the boundaries of special effects and create a work that stands as a unique, fine art statement.
Exhibition Information
Group Exhibition: “Specters of the Subconscious”
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17 / 6PM-8PM
Exhibition Dates: October 17 – October 28, 2024
Theme: In Specters of the Subconscious, Kelly Harris’s folk art-inspired mask/sculpture fits seamlessly into the exhibition’s exploration of dreamscapes, hidden fears, and the unknown. The multi-faced figure evokes an unsettling feeling, capturing the essence of what remains unspoken in the human mind. The use of natural materials al