Born in an isolated village outside of Tel Aviv, Israel, US based artist Kukula was exposed to Holcust survivors at an early age. Coupled with a young girl’s fantasies about princesses and fairytales, KuKula’s work draws from this strange dichotomy of historical horrors and the fantastical worlds of a child’s imagination.
Centered on lithe yet buxom milk-skinned figures that resemble dolls, KuKula’s most recent works explore more complicated thematic landscapes, such as melancholia and apathy. Rife with a decadent sexual tension, her figures often appear in antiquated settings in which they languish in grand baroque interiors rich with details of luxury; marble floors, towering gardens and glittering chandeliers. Fashioned in a contemporary wardrobe that references high end labels Chanel, Miu Miu and Chloe, their pale skin has literally become ‘diseased’ with the opulent beauty with which they have obsessively surrounded themselves with, manifesting as beautiful growths of clockwork gears, teacup handles and filigreed molding.
Within this lavish world, the beautiful figures appear more realistic than in the past, their smooth faces carrying a more potent emotive nuance that compliments the sophisticated evolution of her technique. Often appearing alone or paired with an equally attractive figure or outlandish creature, their transformation hints at the compulsive nature of consumerism and yet, is balanced by the psychological conflict of this materialism.
