Madison Skriver American, b. 1988

"Painting has an inherent magic—an ability to transform thoughts and emotions into a visual language. Symbolism is central to this process, and I’m particularly interested in how certain images embed themselves in the unconscious mind, carrying forward as archetypes and cultural paradigms. In my work, I explore this by using bold color palettes, blending realism with flat, graphic elements, and referencing both historical and contemporary symbols. I’m especially drawn to the contrast between idealization and reality. The mythologized version of America fascinates me, particularly how its ideals—freedom, independence, and patriotism— have evolved over time. The optimism of the 1960s gave way to the decadence of the 1970s, a shift that exposed the growing divide between perception and reality, accelerating changes in cultural and social ideals.

Nostalgia is something I both embrace and examine. It evokes longing while highlighting the fleeting nature of time. Mid-century pop culture has always intrigued me, and I incorporate its aesthetic in ways that feel both familiar and slightly off-kilter—mirroring nostalgia’s unsettling yet compelling effect. The cultural imprint of mid-century America remains a powerful influence, continually resurfacing in my work."

- Madison Skriver