Kathe Madrigal is an artist we at GDCA have admired for a long time and are proud to finally be exhibiting at our gallery. Madrigal
was born and raised in LA, received her BFA from U.C.S.B. with subsequent art studies at U.C.L.A, and Otis.
While her beginning work revolved around nature and/or the cyclical process of life, the later pieces are purely abstract, examining “life in between the darkness which we are born from and return to”. Her most recent works explore the nature of human
emotions: ‘jealously and pride, longing and love, loneliness and community’.
We asked the artist about her process and her intentions and goals within her artwork. She explained that the beginning of each
painting centers around a stream of conscience, allowing brush and paints to be guided by instinct. The painting becomes a
mirror of her emotional state, which is carefully constructed and edited as her process continues. “I like to carve into my paintings to reveal past layers of emotion and thought. It’s a reminder to me of my process, both physically and psychologically, and
a direct map for the viewer.” Indeed her work is very textural, without being thick or coarse, but rather deceptively smoothe. The
use of encaustics brings an innate warmth to her paintings, and allows her to create a visual depth through semi translcucent
layering, and we can visibly follow the brushstroke of the artist.
Interestingly, Madrigal learned only a few years ago that she was ‘red and green colorblind’. Her training had given her a visual
vocabulary that allowed her to navigate color theory without ever noticing this. It is perhaps the reason for her associative freedom as well as her colors’ intensity. She enjoys pitching deep saturated colors against the beauty that grays provide.
Fascinated by the complexities of life, Madrigal does not shy away from darkness and explores these emotions with equal
amount of courage and sensitivity. “In the end, I’d like to know that I did what I loved and that this is my purpose. I’d like to know
that my paintings move people emotionally even if they don’t know why.”
To learn more about the artist or to make appointments to view her paintings, please come visit us at GDCA Gallery : 727 S.
Spring Street, between 7th & 8th Streets. You may also contact us via email: [email protected] or call us directly #(323)
309-2875.
Petra Wright
GDCA Gallery
(323) 309 2875
www.GDCAgallery.com