Cabell Molina is an American contemporary artist transplanted from California to the east. Her work explores and deconstructs the patriarchal ideas tied into mid-20th century fashion and advertising imagery. Being raised by a mother of the 1950’s who attempted to cement her traditional ideology into Cabell at a young age, she developed a fascination with the female experience as portrayed by women of mid century Americana. Were the women of the 1950’s openly cognizant of their oppression? Was femininity created by men and adopted by women to imitate male societal needs. She attempts to present an optimistic vision of rebellion and social progress. Cabell’s subjects in her work often come from ads in vintage Life magazines in where she re-appropriates images of women and changes the narrative to portray them as the powerful gender.
Her technique is to “deconstruct and reconstruct.” The process begins with collecting clippings of vintage magazines and books, ribbon, old photographs, coins, handmade papers, wallpaper, beads and buttons, just to name a few of the elements. She then hand paints background collage with acrylics, spray paint, and oil pastels and adds gold and silver leaf. When all of the elements are complete, Cabell assembles everything onto canvases and or wood panels then after adding more layers she finishes the pieces with several coats of varnish.
Formerly an advertising art director, Cabell worked for multinational advertising agencies in cities all over the world. She studied graphic design, art direction and fine art at San Diego State University and Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. She uses her background in advertising, photo manipulation and design to create her large scale art pieces.
Cabell’s work has been in shows and private collections around the world. Two of her pieces were recently featured in CNN Style and New York Times The Cut. She creates commissioned conceptual portraits for clients as well.
