Holly Silius
Polaroids and Body Prints
This online presentation acts as an introduction to the artist’s practice through engagement with an intimate and deliberate set of artworks made of painted polaroids, and full-scale human body prints. Bursting with color and often made in quick succession, the works in the exhibition illuminate a colorful and free exploration of the human form.
Holly Silius is a British-born multidisciplinary visual artist of Lithuanian descent. A multidisciplinary visual artist working across body casting, wearable art, photography, and mask making, Silius is one of the most forward-thinking names pushing the boundaries of contemporary wearable art.
Holly Silius "3D Print Polaroid", 2022. Polaroid & ink, sculptures in 3D printed resin and gold plate. 14"W x 20“H x 1.5”D
Holly Silius "Ever Anderson", 2020. Polaroid & ink. 9" x 9 3/4"
Holly Silius "Georgeous Man", 2018. Polaroid & ink. 13" x 9 3/4"
Holly Silius "Self Portrait", 2022. Polaroid & ink. 13" x 9 3/4"
Holly Silius "Soko", 2020. Polaroid & ink. 13" x 9 3/4"
Working as a professional makeup artist, Silius began photographing the models she collaborated with. Utilizing a Polaroid for its quick, intimate, and unimposing nature. The photographic tool acts as a bridge between the artist and her subjects, many of whom she shares deep relationships with outside of work.
An archive of polaroids was soon at the artist’s disposal. Known for her sculpture work, primarily body casts and wearable art, Silius did not turn to the photos for sculptural reference but instead turned towards earlier explorations with paint to embellish the works.
Akin to adornment, the artists utilized layers of paint on each image, creating swaths of psychedelic color via thick, often encrusted paint.
Holly Silius "Amber Valetta", 2020. Polaroid and ink. 14"W x 11"H x 1.5"D
Holly Silius "Leo Mehiel", 2022. Polaroid and ink. 14"W x 11"H x 1.5"D
Holly Silius "Body Print (Red, Yellow)", 2016. Self body print in acrylic on canvas. 6' x 4'
Holly Silius "Body Print (Orange)", 2016. Self body print in acrylic on canvas. 6' x 4'
Holly Silius "Body Print (Red, Orange)", 2016. Self body print in acrylic on canvas. 6' x 4'
The artists had once before turned to paint in an action of embellishment and adornment. Acting as a bridge into the exploration of full-scale human form sculptural works, this exhibition also includes a series of archival Body Prints, inspired by the work of Yves Klien.
These prints were first exhibited at the Tate Britain in 2016, in a live performative action where Silius created them live. The prints were then projected on the walls around the Tate during an evening event.
Holly Silius "Body Print (Red, Yellow, Blue)", 2016. Self body print in acrylic on canvas. 6' x 4'
Holly Silius "Body Print (Blue)", 2016. Self body print in acrylic on canvas. 6' x 4'
Holly Silius "Dani Miller", 2022. Polaroid & ink. 14"W x 14“H x 1.5”D
Holly Silius "Kirnan Shipka", 2028. Polaroid & Ink. 14"W x 14“H x 1.5”D
Holly Silius "3D Print Polaroid", 2022. Polaroid & ink, sculptures in 3D printed resin and gold plate. 14"W x 14“H x 1.5”D
Holly Silius "3D Print Polaroid ", 2022. Polaroid & ink, sculptures in 3D printed resin and gold plate. 10"W x 20“H x 1.5”D
Holly Silius "Soko", 2020. Polaroid & ink. 14"W x 14“H x 1.5”D
Central Server Works presents Polaroids and Body Prints in advance of the artist’s first in-person exhibition with the gallery in January 2023.
Email info@centralserverworks.com for available works.
Holly Silius (b. U.K.) is a multidisciplinary visual artist of Lithuanian descent. She obtained her BA with Honors from the London College of Fashion with a focus in SFX make-up. Currently based between Los Angeles and Europe, her career spans over two decades working with some of the most sought-after models, celebrities, and public figures as a makeup artist and visual artist.
Working across body casting, wearable art, photography, and mask making, Silius is one of the most forward-thinking names pushing the boundaries of contemporary wearable art. Silius also utilizes her training in SFX in film & TV as well as in collaborations with the Royal Opera House in London.
