The Cool Breeze

About the artwork

In “That Cool Breeze,” Los Angeles illustrator Carly Kuhn celebrates the power of female friendship—and the comfort, support, and liberation it can provide—with impactful, intentional simplicity.
 This activation is all about female identity and reclaiming the ways in which women are portrayed in art. How did this theme inform/inspire your work?
The piece is called “That Cool Breeze” and it depicts two women undressing. In my mind, these women are enjoying a Sunday afternoon and perhaps about to take a dip in the water on a hot summer day. It is about the power of female friendship–celebrating the ability to be free and comfortable as women in our bodies when we’re together–and also simply capturing a moment that is so pure and simple.
 What tools/mediums did you use to create your work?
I used a simple office pen for this piece. My favorite pen that is in fact the tool I used when I unintentionally started this path as an artist.
 How is this piece representative of your style—and what, if anything, sets it apart from your existing body of work?
It is minimalist– perfectly imperfect–with emphasis on a strong line. It is also capturing a stolen moment and inviting people in. There may not be much on the page, but it is impactful in its simplicity.
 What message do you hope people will take from it? Or from this activation in general?
I hope people enjoy the simplicity of this piece. I like to leave a lot of white space in my work, a space for people to breathe. We are constantly being bombarded by a million different images, messages, sounds, opinions etc. throughout our day. I hope my piece will provide a sense of relief, calm, lightness and glee. Additionally, as mentioned above- I wish for women to come away from this piece feeling free and empowered in their own skin. There is also a pureness and strength when women are together.