Krista Fassett is a Southern California based artist who questions violations of bodily autonomy. Her work is a combination of the domestic craft of crochet, paintings, and installations thematically inspired by the female body as objective property often described within biblical scripture and patriarchal ideologies. This concentration stems from her religious indoctrination which spanned over 35 years. Krista creates in order to present her lived experience while also spotlighting various forms of female subjectivity found within societal expectations.
Within her artistic practice, Krista experiments and researches a wide-range of topics. Such interests include sensory stimulations through medium, mental and emotional health, and the domestic sphere. Her art practice allows interpretation and expression of a variety of subjects as a means of discovery and creative conversation.
Krista received both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Masters Degree in Fine Art from California State University, San Bernardino. She displayed her work in both group and solo exhibitions at the Dutton Gallery of the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, and Gallery 106 in San Bernardino. Krista continues her art practice from her studio in Victorville, California.
BIO
As an artist, I investigate the objectification of women and their bodies as depicted within patriarchal societies. I explore misogyny and the absence of bodily autonomy in evangelical traditions, while interrogating biblical scripture, which designates women as property; that to be owned, purchased, and sold. Some overlapping themes include religious trauma, domestication, submission, and virginity. The intertwining of topics allows me to share my lived experience, and ignite conversation into certain religious doctrines that simultaneously live among cultural and political lines.
My art varies through domestic materiality and includes crocheted textiles, oil paintings, textured abstract expressions, and installation with mixed media. My intention is to create reflectively somber atmospheres and perspectives through reduced color palettes, which emphasize conceptual quietness, solitude, protest, and discomfort. The processes and techniques of making are vital, and provide multiple layers of purpose, interest, and intent.
I choose crochet as both a meditative practice and a state of internal reconciliation. The control of repetition and pattern with subtle color tones, promotes a sense and power through quiet rebellion. Oil painting focuses on realistic imagery; monochromatic female portraits lean into a documentary imagination and self reflection as being a descendant of the biblical Eve. Mixed media and installation works are found objects with made components. I recreate the circular pattern, reminiscent of meditation and repetition, through means of newspaper and yarn. Abstract expressions reflect emotional and spiritual states of being through materiality. I use eggshells and joint compounds for representations of gender expressions and interaction. The wide range of materials and disciplines gives me space to explore the many facets in which patriarchy, religion, and scripture often manipulate and control women and their lived experience.