Julia Cahill

Tourist

Inspired by: Laura McPhee, The Blue Lagoon Evelyn Rydz, Gulf Pile

oil on canvas

24″ x 20″ x 1.5″

2023

“Tourist” is a commentary on the relationship between tourism and the environment that it affects, both economically and environmentally. Having spent time studying abroad in Thailand, I saw first hand the positive impact that tourism had on residents’ livelihoods. However, staring brightly was the juxtaposition of pollutants. It was a direct consequence of a bustling fast-paced tourism mindset that puts the environment last. On a boat tour that touted a “close look” at regular local life hoping to see more beautiful landscapes, I could not help but notice piles of trash in the water that stretched beyond the horizon. Subtle, but concerning.

@juliacahillart

Julia Cahill

Mom Circa 1986

oil on canvas

11″x14″, oval

2022

“Mom Circa 1986” is a portrait that captures my mom at Elm Park in the 1980s when perms, baggy t-shirts, bangles, and bright colors were quintessential to the time. My vision with this portait is to help the viewer feel nostalgia through the colors of the painting and fashion trends of the time similar to that of when viewing a film photo in old photobooks.

@juliacahillart