meet the artist
Artist Statement
My artwork investigates topics that center around the concept of femininity, such as the relation to nature or how women are represented across different forms of media. I do this through narrative and figurative painting stylized after historic and traditional artworks. I aim to present a new interpretation of outdated ideals surrounding women in art, forming a modern commentary that contradicts Eurocentric beauty standards of the past. My figurative pieces show women in positive and empowering ways by celebrating the strength and beauty of the female form. I work from a variety of sources; the subjects of my art include strangers, friends, and myself. This allows for a focus on embracing a variety of personalities, physical features, and body types.
Through the exploration of materials, techniques, and subject matter, I have used art as a source of self-expression and realization. My work is ever changing as I find new methods and interests. The paintings I create include women and show that all body types are beautiful and can be celebrated, which is something that I wish I had seen in media when I was growing up. I hope that the viewer can connect with my artwork in a positive way, whether that be embracing their creative side or finding empowerment.
biography
While growing up in the stargazing and science-centric city of Huntsville, Alabama, Samantha Tallichet's passions always remained firmly within the exploration of humanities. From a young age, visiting museums to learn about different cultures and art history allowed her to develop an artistic perspective towards the world. She was drawn to narrative and traditional works of art because of the classical painting techniques and subject matter. These paintings gave her the chance to explore the topics of visual storytelling, the beauty of the human form, nature, and distant or imaginary places. This early interest in visual storytelling, painting, and art history inspired her undergraduate studies and professional aims. In 2017, she began her professional journey at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where she graduated in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a minor in Art History.
During undergraduate, Tallichet operated a small business and art studio for two years at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. In addition, she had the opportunity to install two solo exhibitions in different galleries on campus. Her BFA exit show took place in April 2021 and was on display in the Wilson Hall Gallery at UAH. This series, titled “Beyond Aurora”, explored the topic of femininity, nature, representation of women in media, and classical imagery. After graduating, she was invited to install a second solo exhibition in the Salmon Library Gallery at UAH. “Identity: Becoming an Artist” was on display from July through September 2021. This group of paintings represented her journey as an artist as well as her interest in art history. Each of the pieces depicted herself in the place of renowned artists that she admires. For these paintings, she studied the artist and replicated their methods. Today, Tallichet is continuing to explore a variety of themes and mediums in her artwork.
