Atlanta artist, Alea Hurst, produces drawings and paintings which range from traditional to experimental approaches. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from the University of Georgia in 2013. She is currently working towards her Master of Fine Arts degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

From the Artist... This body of work explores the role of the mask and reverses its purpose. Traditionally, a mask is worn over the face to hide something. This can either be to conceal the wearer’s identity or to cover up unsightly features; however, in my paintings, the mask reveals information instead of hiding it. The masks become representative of the characteristics of the wearer’s soul or personality.  Each hints at some inner strength or flaw of the person being depicted, and the traits that were wished to be kept secret are now the focus of the portrait and revealed by the mask. I also draw influence from the fact that throughout the ages the eyes have been called the windows to the soul. Since I am dealing with the characteristics or archetypes of people’s souls, it is for this reason I always leave the eyes open to the fabric as if the viewer can peer straight into it. They are empty inside because their innermost being is on public display; there is nothing left to hide.