Ali Miller
Ali Miller
My fascination with the complexity and originality of our subconscious minds began in my childhood. I have always had a tendency toward overly analytical thinking, a strong desire for perfection, and a meticulous need for detail and closure.
My earlier works allowed me to travel to other realms by creating secret hideouts existing in both idealized landscapes and empty atmospheres. These hideouts, which appear in the form of fort-like structures and ornate dresses, are constructed out of symbolic images. The images represent fragmented ideas and the elaborate process that thoughts undergo in one’s subconscious mind. Although my hideouts might appear idealized, whimsical and light hearted, they still contain the lingering remnants of my anxiety.
There is a weird irony in my attempt to elude my own analytical thinking. I paint to escape reality and the myriad of thoughts that fill my mind. However, I have recently discovered that my painting process is obsessive in itself. I gravitate toward miniature paintbrushes, because they allow me to painstakingly execute the tiny textures, patterns, and designs that I find so enticing. In response to this realization, my most recent works, “Ali’s Room” and “Baggage,” depict an amplified and intentional focus on detail, which tends to be more psychologically charged, as well as chaotic. These recent pieces embrace the notion of pre-occupation rather than trying to escape it. I often refer to a variety of artists who have created highly intricate works, such as Hieronymus Bosch, Gustav Klimt, Ivan Albright, John Currin, Leopold Rabus, and Julie Heffernan. My work is also inspired by fashion designers John Galliano and Hussein Chalayan.