Tara Lewis

Tara Lewis (b. 1970, Exeter, NH) paints contemporary figurative portraits that redefine pop culture icons, largely informed by a sustained exploration of childhood memories of cartoons, TV, and coming-of-age films. Her work challenges conventional portraiture with a focus on female agency and contemporary complexities of femininity. The works dive into cultural anthropology, individuality, and personhood, weaving a fresh new narrative.

Tara’s work has been featured at the Aspen Art Museum, CO; Watermill Center, NY; Ki Smith Gallery, New York, NY; Tchotchke Gallery, Brooklyn, NY; All Street Gallery, New York, NY; FORMah Gallery, New York, NY: Louis K. Meisel Gallery, New York, NY; and Lyons Wier Gallery, New York, NY.

Her paintings are held in major collections including The Phelan Art Collection, Brooke Shields, Seavest Collection, Ashley Longshore, and Bunker Artspace. Tara has been featured in publications such as Artnet News, Cultured, Whitewall, Women’s Wear Daily and Fine Art Connoisseur.

Tara received a B.A. in Studio Art at the University of New Hampshire and an M.A.T. at SMFA at Tufts University. Her studio practice is based in New York City and the New Hampshire seacoast.

Tara’s work was featured in ‘Solid Gold’ on view November 11-26, 2023.

“My paintings and drawings present contemporary portraiture with unique focus on female agency and contemporary complexities of femininity. Signaled by popular culture, the figures in my work embody artist-curated personas and roles. The paintings feature models that self-style with garments and props provided at my studio. The portraits exude self-awareness, individuality, irreverence and satirical punch informed by expectations and stereotyping of gender roles.

Taking cues from pop history and borrowing concepts from characters and films such as Jaws, the Lone Ranger and Venus, the paintings and drawings weave a new narrative. The portraits are seasoned with generic wearables such as western hat, bikinis and bathing suits.

‘Wrangler’ explores the Lone Ranger character and presents a gender twist of the pulp and TV hero, emphasizing a blend of individuality and female confidence.

‘Swimmer’ presents female-assurance, modeling wet hair, a biker choker and a peek of bikini styling, allowing this Jaws-inspired female protagonist to radiate certainty.

My recent graphite portraits feature symbolic accessories, stealth expressivity and authenticity with an intentional focus on the face.”

Tara Lewis