Student Voices

Exploring (Dis)Connection

Student Art Showcase: Kaylee Reynolds, Steinhardt, 2020

Nathan Healy
Nathan Healy • Writer
June 17, 2019
abstract portrait

Growing up in Jamaica, Kaylee Reynolds (Steinhardt, BFA, 2020) rarely considered politics, culture, or race. “Especially race,” she says, “because where I’m from the population is more than 90 percent black.” But when she arrived in the United States to pursue a BFA in Studio Art with a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology at NYU, she used her art to explore these ideas—along with people’s connection, or lack of connection, with themselves, each other, and ultimately, society.

A face painted in bright colors with metallic accents appears in the center of the canvas

In Breakthrough (2015), Kaylee holds both a literal and metaphorical mirror up to societal preconceptions. The piece forces viewers to consider how they treat people who look different from them. “In the middle of [the subject’s] face, where her skin is lighter due to vitiligo, I used reflective paper so viewers see themselves in their judgements,” she shares. “At the same time, she’s breaking through those judgements to embrace her beauty.”

portrait of a subject combined with imagery of Jamaica
"Roots" (2018)

Kaylee’s exploration turns personal in Roots (2018). She started this oil-on-canvas piece with photographs. “I layered a portrait with a picture of Blue Hole in Jamaica, using them as the template for the painting,” she says. The painting showcases her own layers and desire to stay connected to her Jamaican heritage. The subject’s serenity displays the love and strength these connections provide.

abstract portrait
"Lady of the Night" (2017)
abstract portrait
Untitled (Black Bodies III) 2018
portrait of a subject obscured by the ocean
"Tranquility" (2017)
self portrait of the artist Kaylee Reynolds
"Self Portrait" (2017)

Tags

Arts & Media NYU Q Steinhardt School of Culture Education and Human Development Student Art

Share

Facebook Twitter
Related Articles
Engineering student Kyra Lee posing in front of a fruit stand surrounded by various produce.
Student Voices
See How This NYU Engineering Student Is Leading by Example

NYU Tandon School of Engineering student Kyra-Lee Harry is working to build a better future for underrepresented youth in STEM.

Two women in a classroom setting
Student Voices
Undecided? Indecisive? It’s OK!

Related Posts See How This NYU Engineering Student Is Leading by ExampleNYU Tandon School of Engineering student Kyra-Lee Harry is working to build a better future… Undecided? Indecisive? It's OK! Advocacy Through ArtNYU Abu Dhabi student, Nandini Kochar, told the stories of marginalized people…

A close-up of Nandini Kochar, who poses in front of a blue background.
Student Voices
Advocacy Through Art

NYU Abu Dhabi student, Nandini Kochar, told the stories of marginalized people during her time in Prague.