This series of paintings draws inspiration from the music and lyrics of Blondie, the iconic New Wave band. Each work takes its title from a Blondie song, creating a dynamic interplay between visual art and musical expression. Through bold lines, vivid colors, and abstracted figures, the series explores themes of identity, rebellion, and human connection, inviting viewers to engage with the emotional resonance of both the music and the visual imagery.

“Color Me Your Color, Darling” showcases Iris Kern-Foster’s characteristic interplay of abstract forms and vibrant hues. Two figures, delineated through bold outlines, stand amidst a dynamic composition of layered colors and gestural markings. The title, a lyric borrowed from a Blondie song, adds a layer of romanticism and alludes to themes of identity, transformation, and the merging of selves within a relationship. Kern-Foster’s expressive use of color and line invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of human connection and the interplay between individuality and shared experience.

Title "Color me your color, darling" Year 2024 Medium Acrylics, Ink & Charcoal on Canvas Size 24 in x 30 in x 1.5 in

This energetic work captures a lively scene of figures seemingly engaged in conversation and connection. Kern-Foster’s characteristic bold outlines define the figures, while expressive brushwork and areas of layered color create a dynamic backdrop. The title, a lyric from a Blondie song, adds a layer of playful defiance, perhaps suggesting a liberation from artistic constraints or societal expectations. The composition invites viewers to explore themes of individuality, self-expression, and the celebration of human interaction.

“Come up off your color chart”

Iris Kern-Foster’s “Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, any way” (2024) is a vibrant exploration of the human form in a dynamic and undefined space. Working with acrylics, ink, and charcoal on canvas, Kern-Foster employs a vibrant palette of blues, yellows, reds, and greens, applying the paint with expressive, gestural strokes. The figures, rendered in simplified forms with bold outlines, appear almost spectral as they emerge from the energetic background. Their poses suggest interaction and movement, yet their forms remain fluid and ambiguous, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of connection, transience, and the ephemeral nature of human presence. The incorporation of charcoal adds a textural element, grounding the composition while enhancing the sense of depth and spontaneity. This work exemplifies Kern-Foster’s signature style, characterized by its bold use of color, expressive linework, and evocative exploration of the human condition within abstract environments.

Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, any way