Kodi Beverlin — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

@kodibeverlin

In the ever-expanding landscape of contemporary art, where innovation and meaning intertwine to challenge perceptions, Kodi Beverlin emerges as a trailblazer whose photographic works are as arresting as they are introspective. With her latest collection, "To Be Seen," Beverlin carves out a unique place for herself in the art scene, compelling viewers to not just observe, but experience, the essence of human existence through her evocative lens. Her mastery in fusing technical precision with a profound understanding of emotion and form places her work alongside those of the most celebrated visionaries of our time, a beacon of transformative artistry.

Kodi Beverlin, based in Des Moines, Iowa, embarked on her artistic journey from a career as a hairdresser—a vocation that, while seemingly disparate, laid the foundation for her exploration into photography. Both crafts demand a nuanced grasp of design, composition, and the subtleties of human expression. Beverlin’s foray into photography feels not so much like a departure, but rather an evolution of her creative ethos. This fluidity of transition is a testament to her innate understanding of people, aesthetics, and the invisible threads that bind them. It is in this duality that she channels her ability to weave complexity into simplicity, creating images that, at first glance, are visually striking but soon reveal layered narratives brimming with emotion and depth.

"To Be Seen" is an aptly titled collection that defies conventional categorizations of photography. Each piece is a visceral exploration of self, identity, and the observer’s relationship with the subject. Beverlin’s works are imbued with a dreamlike quality, as though the viewer is gazing into a liminal space where reality and imagination coalesce. The interplay of light, texture, and shadow creates compositions that are as much felt as they are seen.

For example "To Be Seen: Strength" (2022), where the photograph’s bold interplay of contrasts evokes the inner resilience of its subject. The use of vibrant hues—punctuated with soft, flowing forms—underscores the tension between vulnerability and fortitude. In "To Be Seen: Self" (2021), Beverlin takes the exploration further by layering reflections and fragments, inviting the viewer to piece together the self’s fragmented yet unified whole. This meticulous use of layering is reminiscent of the cubist techniques pioneered by Pablo Picasso, whose groundbreaking work similarly sought to depict multiple perspectives within a single frame.

One of the most compelling aspects of Beverlin’s photography is her ability to establish an immediate connection between the subject and the viewer. Her pieces refuse to be static; they demand participation. "To Be Seen: Truth" (2021), photographed at The River Constellation, encapsulates this ethos. Here, Beverlin’s subject—enshrouded in translucent light—appears both present and ethereal, as if existing in a parallel dimension. The photograph becomes an exploration of perception: Are we seeing the subject as they are, or as they wish to be seen? Beverlin’s quote, "Sometimes the windows of our souls have the curtains drawn, which way is determined by the observer," resonates deeply in these works, encapsulating their inherent duality.

"To Be Seen: Third Eye" (2021) is another striking example of Beverlin’s vision. Through bold colors and intricate superimpositions, the photograph invites viewers to consider alternate modes of seeing. The titular "third eye" functions as both a literal and metaphorical motif, gesturing toward the spiritual and the subconscious. It’s a meditation on the unseen forces that shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

What sets Beverlin apart in the contemporary art scene is her deft ability to balance technical brilliance with philosophical inquiry. Her photographs are not merely exercises in aesthetic virtuosity; they are deeply meditative works that probe the essence of existence. Beverlin’s use of color is particularly noteworthy—vivid yet controlled, her palette evokes the emotional resonance of Marc Chagall’s paintings, with their rich interplay of the real and the fantastical. Yet, unlike Chagall’s overt narratives, Beverlin leaves her stories open-ended, inviting viewers to infuse their own interpretations.

Her technical prowess is evident in the way she manipulates light and shadow to sculpt her compositions. "To Be Seen: Olivia" (2021) exemplifies this mastery, with its interplay of soft luminescence and stark opacity. The effect is hypnotic, drawing the viewer into an almost otherworldly realm where time seems suspended. It is in these moments that Beverlin’s genius becomes most apparent: her ability to distill fleeting, intangible experiences into enduring works of art.

Kodi Beverlin’s work occupies a critical space in the contemporary art scene. Her photographic series, though relatively new, already exhibits a level of sophistication and originality that places her among the most promising talents of her generation. Beverlin’s ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes ensures her work resonates across a wide audience, bridging divides and fostering empathy. In a world increasingly defined by disconnection, her art serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity.

In comparing Beverlin to historical masters, one might draw parallels to the pioneering spirit of Man Ray, whose experiments with photography shattered traditional boundaries and expanded the medium’s possibilities. Like Ray, Beverlin embraces experimentation, eschewing rigid adherence to rules in favor of intuitive exploration. Her willingness to push the boundaries of what photography can achieve—while retaining a deep respect for its emotional core—ensures her place as a vital figure in the art world.

Beverlin’s art is not only aesthetically significant but also socially relevant. By focusing on themes of identity, perception, and connection, her work addresses some of the most pressing issues of our time. In a society increasingly preoccupied with appearances, Beverlin’s photographs remind us to look deeper, to seek out the truths hidden beneath the surface. Her emphasis on the observer’s role in shaping reality speaks to the power of perspective and the importance of empathy in understanding others.

Her work also challenges traditional notions of photography by incorporating elements of abstraction and surrealism, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This hybrid approach allows Beverlin to create works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, positioning her as a voice of innovation and inclusivity in the contemporary art scene.

Kodi Beverlin’s "To Be Seen" collection is a triumph of creativity and vision. With its striking visuals, layered meanings, and emotional depth, the series announces Beverlin as an artist of exceptional talent and insight. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of art, capable of capturing the intangible and making it profoundly felt.

As Beverlin continues to refine her craft and explore new avenues of expression, one thing is certain: her star is on the rise. In the pantheon of contemporary art, her name is one to watch, a beacon of ingenuity and inspiration in a world that desperately needs both. Beverlin’s photographs are more than just images—they are mirrors, windows, and portals, inviting us to see not only her subjects but also ourselves. In doing so, she reminds us of the infinite possibilities that lie within the human spirit, a gift as rare as it is invaluable.

By Marta Puig

Editor Contemporary Art Curator Magazine