These works on paper are most often a mix of images from magazines, books and photographs taken by the artist. Rosalyn likes to create a layered 2D universe that floats in time. Bright colors and a mix of materials are layered together to tell a specific story.
This piece Right The Ship was created on site using only items found in the 9th ward district in New Orleans. The city has not yet recovered for the devastating floods that occurred in August of 2005. But this city is full of rich cultural history, amazing music and a people who just won’t give up, is making it’s way and coming together to “right” the ship.
Special thanks to CCH Pounder and jill moniz for their sponsorship.
The Forgiveness Project was a mixed media project that exhibited at more than one venue. Most notably it was displayed at the Watts Towers and the Palos Verdes Art Center. The artist was conveying different struggles she had to overcome in her life, wanting to let go of the negative energy and bring in beauty , light and change.
A broken piano bench, an old wooden tray, a discarded window or door, anything can serve as a canvas. The artist often pulls over while driving, finding workable items on the side of the road. Sometimes it won’t fit in the car and she has to call a friend or rent a truck.
Circus of Fever was an multi-media installation made in response to Hurricane Katrina. This work contained a running movie projector that projected flickering light onto a Commedia dell’arte style stage (complete with a rolling ocean) that was all powered by a record player and a sewing machine.
It was exhibited at the Armory Annex in Pasadena.
This installation was created in response the artist personal experience with the current housing problem plaguing people all over the country. She was forced to move with her young son in tow 3 times in 6 years. Not because she didn’t pay rent or was a problem tenant in anyway, but because she lived in desirable areas of the city and the landlords simply wanted to charge hirer rents. Rosalyn reimagined a board game where the game pieces were life size and no matter how you played the game, if you don’t own the property, you are going to lose. This work was displayed at the California African American Museum in Expo Park.
This piece was made in response to the 1992 uprising in Los Angeles. It was part of a group show put together by Rick Garzon at the Residency Gallery in Inglewood.
The window was found in that area, the photographs are a mix of images of the corner of Florence and Normandie , some from the rebellion in 1992 and some from the intersection as it appears today. The fabrics seeping out of the cracks in the wood frame are metaphors for the different cultures that were affected. Not seen in these photos is an old car tire with a fresh plot of grass growing from it’s center. This symbolizes that there is some hope growing out of the ground, out of that moment in time. These pictures are from a group show at SOLA gallery in Inglewood .
The two collage works at the top of this page titled “…Girl! ” and “ 125th Street” are now part of the permanent collection at the California African American Museum.
The other works are “Hey Man” , “ Tar Baby ” and Untitled.
When Liz Gordon of LIz’s Loft told me the theme for this show was inspired by Ai Weiwei’s documentary film Human Flow and that it would address refugees , I wasn’t sure how to approach such a heavy topic. Then it came to me to do work about the refugees I see on the street everyday here in LA. People who are fleeing oppression everyday… in their own country.
I imagine these pieces might be something a homeless woman might wear to keep her life safe on her person , concealed under her clothes. All the materials were found on the streets of LA.
This textile piece is part of a permanent collection hanging in the Willowbrook Library in South Los Angeles.
The handstitched pot holder below is part of a series inspired by my memories as a young child growing up in the 70’s.
Far and Near
In October 2018 Rosalyn Myles received an award from Mark Ridley Thomas of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her many Mixed Media Art contributions to the City of Los Angeles.
Rosalyn has curated several art exhibits in Los Angeles including the Black Doll Show at the Grant Stills Gallery .