Kidcarol’s Emotional Intelligence Is A Retrospective Dive Into Self-Growth

Within the walls of All Street Gallery, Kidcarol debuted an early look at her latest work, featuring a selection of six out of the fifteen pieces set to debut next year. This series captured the essence of an ethereal journey through the complexities of human emotions, symbolizing Carol's personal and artistic metamorphosis.

The ambiance of the evening was underlined by a careful curation of music and uniquely crafted cocktails, each element designed to echo the profound themes of the artwork. As visitors moved through the gallery, they were enveloped in an atmosphere that encouraged a deep engagement with the evocative abstractions on display.

Carol’s latest works are a study in emotion, born from her evolving personal narrative that includes significant shifts in place, belief, and style. The collection's title, Emotional Intelligence, reflects a deliberate choice to delve into the emotional spectrum through a more abstract and introspective approach. “This exhibition is all about creating a safe space within my creative practice to pause, feel, and heal," Carol shared.

The influence of Carol’s childhood landscapes—forests, waterfalls, and mountains of Pennsylvania—resonates deeply within her pieces. These natural elements have served as both a refuge and a palette, informing the colors and forms that now define her work. As Carol described, the gradual shift towards abstraction paralleled her own personal developments, including her move to New York City, a reevaluation of her spiritual beliefs, and her experiences of grief.

Her artistic evolution is vividly illustrated in the fluidity and depth of the showcased artworks, each telling a story of overcoming and acceptance. “I saw a gradual shift in my work towards more abstraction as I became more free and trusting in my process,” Carol explained.

A standout piece of the evening was the Safe In Your Arms silver pendant, a striking piece of wearable art created in collaboration with Westley Parl-Kouh. This pendant is not just an accessory but a narrative extension of the Emotional Intelligence collection. It embodies the emotional resonance of the artworks, depicting two human forms in an embrace that suggests comfort and unity. Carol's passion for merging art with fashion surfaces strongly here, revealing her multifaceted creative vision.

“I think wearable art complements any art collection because it gives your audience a different and very personal way to connect to your work," Carol noted. The integration of her visual art with fashion pieces like the pendant and the "Abstract Athens" quarter zip speaks to a broader creative philosophy, one that bridges multiple forms of expression.

With the full debut of Emotional Intelligence slated for Spring 2025 in NYC and a subsequent exhibition in Munich, Carol is poised to introduce her vision on an international stage. Her plans for the future include exploring artistic residencies in Italy and France and incorporating music into her creative repertoire. “I’m looking forward to a year of creative abundance and opportunity as I continue to cultivate my work and share it with the world,” she concluded, filled with the promise of new artistic endeavors.

The preview of Emotional Intelligence not only highlighted Carol's growth as an artist but also set a high bar for the sensory and emotional engagement of art exhibitions. As attendees left the gallery, the echoes of their conversations about the profound impact of the night’s experience lingered, a testament to the power of art to evoke and connect.

The anticipation for her 2025 exhibition is palpable, promising a deeper dive into the world she continues to create.

1) Your recent exhibition, Emotional Intelligence, captures such a beautifully ethereal atmosphere while celebrating the power of emotions. How did this theme emerge for you, and how do these works reflect your personal growth as a storyteller?

“Emotional Intelligence” emerged organically as my practice evolved over the course of the last 2-3 years. This exhibition is all about me creating a safe space for myself within my creative practice to pause, feel, and heal. Many of the colors and scenes are drawn from nature as I grew up in Pennsylvania where I found my original safe spaces- forests, waterfalls, mountains, etc. I started to notice patterns emerging in the colors and forms I was playing with, as I told stories from direct experiences such as moving to NYC in 2022, redefining my relationship with religion, and navigating grief. I saw a gradual shift in my work towards more abstraction as I became more free and trusting in my process. Much of this collection is inspired by getting out of my own way and owning all the parts of myself- especially deeply rooted patterns and emotions.

2) What inspired you to expand your narrative into wearable art(Safe In Your Arms Pendant), and how do you see it complementing the collection's emotional resonance?

I have always loved fashion and wearable art, and I’m always thinking of new ways to incorporate my paintings into wearable pieces. I usually begin a project by analyzing my own closet, deciding what I think is missing, and then creating it for myself. This year I created the “Safe In Your Arms” silver pendant, and the “Abstract Athens” quarter zip that blends athleisure with luxury street wear. Some of my favorite artists do a great job of merging fashion, fine art, and design (KidSuper, Tyler The Creator, Dimithry Victor to name a few), in innovative and unique ways, so I definitely draw a lot of inspiration from the artists I admire and respect.

I think wearable art compliments any art collection because it gives your audience a different and very personal way to connect to your work. I think the clothes and accessories I wear are an extension of me, and it’s such a good feeling to put on something fly that I know was made by myself, my friends, or an artist I resonate with. I want to give people the opportunity to connect with my art in the same way, and the “Safe In Your Arms” silver painting compliments this collection so beautifully in that it honors the importance of human touch and connection. The pendant shows 2 human forms embracing each other in such a way that they are nearly merging. It’s a tribute to my parents love for each other and the love that has nurtured and nourished my journey since I was young.

3) With this preview setting the stage for your full debut in 2025, what can we expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or explorations you’re particularly excited to share with your audience?

As I look forward to 2025 and the full debut of “Emotional Intelligence”, I am particularly excited about continuing to create in this style and see what flows next. I plan on holding the main exhibition this spring in NYC, before I take the show to Munich, Germany for a month long exhibition at Gallery Mohammed in June. This will be my first international solo gallery, and I’m excited to see what experiences and connections arise from taking my work to one of my favorite cities in Europe. I am exploring residencies in Italy and France as well, as I love to travel and experience different cities and cultures. Lastly, I have been dabbling around in music this past year and am planning on retraining myself to read music. I have a ukulele and just got a keyboard, so I’m excited to see how adding more creative outlets into my life affects and inspires my creative practice.

I’m looking forward to a year of creative abundance and opportunity as I continue to cultivate my work and share it with the world.