Reaching For Perfection - Lily Coburn

Lily Coburn

Reaching For Perfection

Art as Work is pleased to present Reaching For Perfection, an installation conceived by the Maryland artist Lily Coburn. 

How the dead must cringe at our resistance to look as if we’ve lived. 

—Kate Baer, I Hope This Finds You Well 

These pieces challenge the conversation surrounding aging that specifically targets women. There is a long history of cultural and social obsession with youth and the suggestion that it’s a women’s most valuable asset. Those manifestations have turned into an internalized hatred for visible symptoms of aging that is preyed upon and mistreated. 

Strung onto a small, barren tree, the three artworks create colorful glimpses into their worlds while seamlessly interacting with their environment. Their striking colors contrast against the muted tones of the post-winter forest, yet they also appear as an organic extension of the tree itself. Thoughtfully placed, the triptych displays a sense of movement while being illuminated by the setting sun. This setting enhances the artwork’s presence and encourages the audience to reflect. 

Lily currently lives and works in Westminster, Maryland.

Reaching For Perfection

Oil pastel on mixed media paper

7" x 10"

2024

Artwork 1

Oil pastel on mixed media paper

7" x 10"

2024

Artwork 2

Oil pastel on mixed media paper

7" x 10"

2024

Artwork 3

Oil pastel on mixed media paper

7" x 10"

2024