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Diverse Ecosystems Merge in Hyperrealistic Paintings of Flora and Fauna by Lisa Ericson

Ecosystems intermingle and mammals find themselves immersed in an increasingly watery world in Lisa Ericson’s hyperrealistic acrylic paintings. A hare and a mountain goat, which would typically be found in dry climates or high elevations, stand atop a small island of cacti or rock in an ongoing series of works that view the climate crisis—especially the impending rise of sea levels—through a lens of magical realism. Drawing on the artistic legacy of chiaroscuro, or contrast between the bright figures and deep background,…

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Artist Lisa Ericson Dives into the Threat of the Climate Crisis and Why She Chooses Magic Over Scientific Accuracy

Colossal managing editor Grace Ebert spoke with artist Lisa Ericson in August and October 2020 via email. This conversation has been edited for clarity. Shown above is "Safe Passage." Grace: How has COVID-19 been affecting your work? What’s a typical day like? Lisa: Painting is a very solitary pursuit. I’m used to working from home, grabbing work time whenever I can, and working late into the night almost every night, and none of that has changed with COVID-19. What has changed is that my 6-year-old daughter hasn’t had school or outside childcare since March, and that has undoubtedly cut my…

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Colossal

Interview: Lisa Ericson Dives into the Threat of the Climate Crisis and Why She Chooses Magic Over Scientific Accuracy

In her hyperrealistic paintings, artist Lisa Ericson (previously) spotlights the myriad ways animal life and the natural world are connected, a theme she depicts by positioning various species on the backs of others and explains in a new interview. The vivid composites group marine and land creatures in unusual combinations that defy boundaries of habitat and authentic interactions. The underlying subject matter may be based on a real-world issue (coral bleaching, habitat erosion, etc.), but my take on it is not scientific, and I won’t sacrifice the…

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Art

Animals Evolve into Islands Teeming With Coral, Succulents, and Tropical Fish in Hyperrealist Paintings by Lisa Ericson

Lisa Ericson (previously) deftly paints animals in scenes that reach outside of their natural environments, creating unique relationships that defy the natural order of the animal kingdom. In her newest series a deer, flamingo, and multiple turtles form miniature ecosystems in glassy blue water. Coral sprouts from the hooves and legs of the two larger creatures, while brilliant flowers and butterflies surround the smaller turtles. These paintings are featured in Ericson's current exhibition Islands, which runs through August 25, 2019 at Antler Gallery in Portland, Oregon. You can see more of her…

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Colossal Cover Artist Archive

Winter 2023: Lisa Ericson Lisa Ericson (previously) is a Portland, Oregon-based artist who paints intimate portraits of animals in surreal circumstances. All of her works are done in acrylic on wood panels, and she often references scientific phenomena in her pieces. Ericson studied art at Yale University, and you can find more on her website and Instagram.     Autumn 2022: Tomás Sánchez Cuban artist Tomás Sánchez (previously) is known for painstakingly detailed paintings of lush landscapes drawn from…

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Art

Unusual Animals Brought Together in New Hyperrealistic Paintings by Lisa Ericson

New work from Lisa Ericson (previously) continues the Portland-based artist's hyperrealistic compositions of animals. Set on deep black backgrounds, her paintings showcase unusual combinations of peacefully co-existing fauna. Pelicans support rabbits, snakes, and ocelots, while tree frogs and songbirds find homes on the shells of turtles. Her most recent paintings are on view through May 25 at Antler Gallery in Portland, in a show titled Invisible Promise, alongside work from Scottish artist Lindsey Carr. You can see more from Ericson on Instagram. [caption id="attachment_96431"…

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