ARTIST STATEMENT
My inspiration stems from the intricate dreamscapes that depict deeply-rooted subconscious themes flavored with contemporary culture. Feminine energy infused with power and daring is blended with delicate elegance. An edgy juxtaposition of seemingly contrary ideas and emotions is persistent, and reflects the uneasy balance we maintain with our 21st century lifestyles. Technology coexisting with nature. Vulnerability accompanied by strength. Streetwise sensibility embodied in dainty, tattooed nymphs. Whimsy in spite of pathos. Vibrant life hand in hand with death. These fundamental aspects of the human condition, surrounded by the elements of modern life, all flowing through my imagery. This is the essence of my art.
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MORE ABOUT CAIA
Caia Koopman is a pop surrealist who has been featured in prominent galleries from California to Canada and France. The symbolism in Caia's work evokes fundamental human emotions in exquisite, surreal detail making her popular in the action sports industry as well as the fine art world. You may have seen Caia's art as part of the brand Oakley's Signature Series sunglasses and goggles. Her illustrations have also been printed on to Rossignol brand snowboards and skis.
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While studying for her BA in Fine Arts from the University of California in Santa Cruz, Caia was a skateboard enthusiast immersed in the punk rock scene of the ‘80s. She continues to live in Santa Cruz where the youthful vitality of a college town is an ever-present, pulsating force of inspiration for her.
Caia's professional career began by creating designs for skateboards and snowboards. The strong, beautiful female characters in her paintings are imbued with this fearless sense of defiance. As a second-generation conservationist, loving the environment and acutely aware that humanity is dangling our planet over a dangerous flame of pollution, nature is often woven into the haunting fabric of her images. Birds, flowers, plants, butterflies, animals and mythical creatures are interlaced with iconic symbols of love, mystery, soul searching and timeless values. Lurking throughout these visual fantasies are “Día de los Muertos” skulls, cute yet macabre reminders of the interlocking yin and yang of life and death.
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