Tara McPherson invites us into her dreams in Wandering Luminations, showing us an intertwined world of deep space and deep sea, exploring the mysteries of these secretive environments and shining a light into the dark recesses of the unknown.

In this series McPherson has been inspired by the bioluminescent creatures of Earth’s oceans, and the dark waters of her imagined seas are lit with glowing creatures and celestial bodies far removed from their normal orbits. The Californian populates her scenes with porcelain-skinned, forever-young fairytale characters – nymphs and princesses – and like all good fairytales there are palpable undercurrents of danger and sorrow that belie her figures’ serene expressions and flawless complexions. The works on linen, wood and paper also depict folklore animal imagery, and feature McPherson’s now signature palette of pink and teal in high contrast with the surrounding darkness. Now based in New York, McPherson’s Wandering Luminations is showing at Jonathan LeVine Gallery until 16 November.

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Tara McPherson
Wandering Luminations
oil on linen, streched over panel
48 x 36 inches
(121.92 x 91.44 cm)

Tara McPherson
Cosmic Serpent
oil on wood panel
30 x 24 inches
(76.2 x 60.96 cm)

Tara McPherson
The Love Note
oil on linen, stretched on panel
30 x 18 inches
(76.2 x 45.72 cm)

Tara McPherson
Borealis
oil on wood panel
30 x 24 inches
(76.2 x 60.96 cm)

Tara McPherson
The Water Nebula
acrylic on watercolor paper
18 x 18 inches
(45.72 x 45.72 cm)

Tara McPherson
The Crystal Waterfall
oil on wood panel
30 x 18 inches
(76.2 x 45.72 cm)