120 x 160 cm, Acrylic on canvasYuliia Kravchenko’s “Voodoo Child” depicts Jimi Hendrix in luminous shades of blue, complemented by neon acrylics, fabric appliqués and glitter – an intense exploration of rock-music iconography in the notable tradition of Pop Art portraiture. In the background the artist uses an expressive, gestural application of paint in energetic yellows, oranges and blues, echoing the psychedelic aesthetics of the late 1960s. The figure itself is modeled in cool blue tones; the faraway gaze evokes the spiritual dimension of the musical genius. The title refers, of course, directly to Hendrix’s famous song and underlines the cult-like veneration the painting expresses. The innovative mix of acrylic, textile and glitter extends classical painting with contemporary tactile elements and shows Kravchenko’s experimental approach. The work acts as a powerful homage to a music legend, drawing on the visual codes of popular-culture reception such as those developed in the legendary collaboration between Walter Knabe and Gered Mankowitz, based on the iconic black-and-white portrait of 1967. Kravchenko’s independent interpretation demonstrates her very personal approach to star iconography and represents an important position in her oeuvre. The work skillfully connects art history with popular culture and establishes Kravchenko as a voice in contemporary painting.
