Erica Norelius

Erica Norelius – “21 under 31,” Southwest Art, September 2010

“My paintings deal with themes of isolation and anonymity created when living in an urban environment. By painting in a representational style, the viewer is presented with realistic interactions of people on the streets and in the parks. The separateness and individuality of the pedestrians are highlighted even though physically on canvas they might be connected.

Although cities are condensed areas of people, the lack of personal connections made between one another, and consequently, the focus on the superficial qualities of the people, become more and more obvious when surrounded by multitudes of people. We remain anonymous, merely a passerby. I paint to portray this condition, to question what it is that we value within relationships, while trying to understand the draw towards this interconnected, yet emotionally disconnect world.” – Erica Norelius