Deepfake: ‘Behind The Curtain’ of Western Culture
Artist Kelly O’Connor challenges utopian ideals in her new show on view through April 27th in Houston, TX
To know Kelly O’Connor is to love her. A home-grown San Antonio artist with a global perspective, her point of view is authentically, quintessentially (and nostalgically), “American Vintage”. Viewing Kelly’s work is an embrace of her kaleidoscopic, collaged interpretations of the duality of the messaging that permeates our Western culture, especially the ideas and expectations that have been gripping at women since the 1950s with the (not so) subliminal advertising push to consume material products for personal fulfillment.
A timely nod to Women’s History Month, Kelly has released her latest body of work, “Deepfake”, a new exhibition showing at the David Shelton Gallery in Houston, Texas on view now through April 27th, 2024.
“Deepfake" challenges utopian ideals of Western folklore and popular culture’s influence of authenticity and identity with works depicting familiar visuals from stories we all know and love. With imagery of fabricated environments produced for mass consumption in the early days of technicolor pictures, such as The Wizard of Oz, and Walt Disney theme parks, Kelly is provoking the viewer to question who is really ‘behind the curtain’ of our mass consumption of stories, products, and ideals.
“The intent of my work is to challenge the trickery of ‘the man behind the curtain’ who is pulling the strings, while also embracing the incredible influence these stories and environments have on our individual and generational memories and ideals.” —Kelly O’Connor
The title of the exhibition itself carries multiple layers of meaning, reflecting the depth and complexity of Kelly’s exploration. "Deepfake'' encompasses slang connotations of authenticity, the physical depths of perception, the intense engagement of shared cultural experiences, and allusions to the more recent phenomenon of AI-generated deepfake videos.
For over fifteen years, Kelly has diligently honed her craft, with an innovative approach that dissects familiar imagery with a critical eye. Her work has garnered somewhat of a cult appreciation amongst collectors and social media followers who are drawn to her iconic visual style, but her work’s impact and messaging transcends aesthetics and specific taste. Owning a Kelly O’Connor piece is a symbol of commentary on the enduring facades and constructed realities that shape our collective consciousness.
Delving into the metaphorical depths of iconic narratives like The Wizard of Oz, her pieces, such as "Duality of Glenda (The Good Witch vs. The Good Fairy)" and "Garden of Earthly Delights," challenge viewers to confront their own perceptions and preconceptions. Through mesmerizing symmetrical patterns and reflective surfaces, viewing Kelly’s work is an immersive experience akin to a Rorschach Test, prompting introspection and reflection.
On a purely personal note, I feel incredibly lucky to call Kelly my friend, and am ever-inspired by how she embodies her creativity in her daily life…a true example of “life is art!” Here are the contact details below for how to inquire about acquiring one of the pieces in the “Deepfake” exhibition:
David Shelton Gallery Contact:
Address: 4411 Montrose Blvd., Ste. B. Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713.393.7319
Email: david@davidsheltongallery.com
Links:
Instagram: @kellyoconnor_art
artist website: kellyoconnor.art
gallery website: davidsheltongallery.com
And for fun, here is an article I wrote a few years ago about Kelly’s home studio and the wonderland she creates around her in her daily life.
Getting To Know Her: Meet Kelly O’Connor, The Mod Collagist Who Curated The Art In Our September Issue
A conversation on life lately, her collected curiosities, and why we used her “Emerald City” installation for our cover shoot Tucked away in a modest, Victorian–esque ‘castle’ on a (Dignowity) Hill near downtown San Antonio, famed artist Kelly O’Connor lives to create in her quirky, curated chambers. Fortressed by an enchanted front y…
I will be visiting Kelly in her home studio this week to film an interview as she works on her next piece, so be sure to follow us on social media to watch for its release. In the meantime, if you have any questions you’d like to submit to Kelly for our interview, feel free to share them with me here:
I absolutely love working with Kelly. Beautiful presentation of our photography work together and excellent journalism, Eleanora Morrison. I hope to contribute more in the future—anything you ever need from the SA / Austin area. We’re 100% here for it. Your quality is top.