Fine Art. Surrealism. Fantasy. These are the pillars of Kate Theo’s (b. 1979) images, which are inspired by Brooke DiDonato’s (brookedidonato.com) uncanny female figures and the vivid worlds of Leta Sobierajski (letasobierajski.com). For Theo, photography is an instrument for self-discovery. She notes: “I depict the processes that are often going on in people’s minds: dealing with negativity, self-deprecation and being overwhelmed – especially in today’s climate. The scenes are only partially real; most of what is going on is left open to interpretation amongst shades of blue, red, yellow and green. The works, though minimal, are carefully composed. I allow room for audiences to perhaps find something of who they are and who they are not; what they like and what they don’t.” Beyond graphic yellow suns, black crescent moons and folded curtains, there are moments of sensitivity and playfulness in these unassuming compositions.

@katetheo79

Lead Image: Kate Theo, Contrast (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
1: Kate Theo, Without Words (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
2: Kate Theo, Everything Will Be Alright (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
3: Kate Theo, Imitate (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
4: Kate Theo, Enigma (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
5: Kate Theo, Time to End Breast Cancer (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
6: Kate Theo, Pride (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
7: Kate Theo, Not Forget (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
8: Kate Theo, Ordinary (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
9: Kate Theo, Self-Ignorance (2020). Courtesy of the artist.
10: Kate Theo, Butterfly (2020). Courtesy of the artist.