| Becca Durnin is interested in creating nonsensical narratives that are at once precious and over-the-top, personal and monumental, beautiful and grotesque. Her drawings may include elements of human anatomy, sullen, scantily-clad women, or decadent, overly-ornate interiors. While they may vary in subject matter and size—some are ten feet by ten feet, others are drawn on small scraps of paper—all of Durnin’s work is concerned with what we seek comfort in. Durnin’s drawings, which combine elegant ink lines, bold patches of gouache and airbrushed backgrounds in candy colors, explore the spaces we surround ourselves with as well as the spaces inside ourselves. |  |
Becca Durnin
Becca Durnin is interested in creating nonsensical narratives that are at once precious and over-the-top, personal and monumental, beautiful and grotesque. Her drawings may include elements of human anatomy, sullen, scantily-clad women, or decadent, overly-ornate interiors. While they may vary in subject matter and size—some are ten feet by ten feet, others are drawn on small scraps of paper—all of Durnin’s work is concerned with what we seek comfort in.
Durnin’s drawings, which combine elegant ink lines, bold patches of gouache and airbrushed backgrounds in candy colors, explore the spaces we surround ourselves with as well as the spaces inside ourselves. By juxtaposing the material with the anatomical, Durnin’s work suggests a commonality between the two. Both spaces—the ones inside ourselves and the interiors of our own homes—are hiding places from the outside world, yet neither is truly safe.
A Nashville native, Durnin escaped to California for college. She thought she was leaving Nashville for good, but upon graduation she returned. Less than a year later, Durnin is happy with her decision. She immediately began showing her work at the Plowhaus Artists’ Cooperative and quickly lined up a show at Twist Gallery with Harry, another local artist known for his distinct paintings on wood. Durnin had her first solo show in March at the Art House Gallery, where she serves as director, and has a show lined up at the Tennessee Arts Commission in May. Needless to say, Durnin is busy.
Durnin remarks, "I’ve found Nashville’s art scene to be a growing one, which is exciting, but small enough to welcome newcomers right in. I’m young and still trying to figure out what my art’s about, and the Nashville art scene has been a supportive and encouraging community in which to show my work as it evolves."
