About

Artist Statement
I create paintings of people as a reflection on identity and the human experience—each one capturing a moment, and creating a quiet dialogue between the subject and the viewer. Influenced by memories, fashion, stories and nostalgia, my work explores the impact of clothing, adornment, and personal objects in shaping a perception of self.

The gaze of my subjects is central to my work. They often look directly at the viewer, creating an intimate, almost confrontational connection, and portraying an unfiltered and present representation of the subject. The expressions hold emotion, without dictating a single narrative. Instead, they invite the viewer to engage, to wonder about the subject’s story, and to reflect on their own sense of self and identity.

Clothing, along with the texture and patterns of its fabric, plays a significant role in my portraits, sometimes appearing as everyday dress and other times as costume. These elements can exaggerate or obscure identity, creating a space between reality and performance. I keep the surroundings minimal, stripping away unnecessary elements, to create a space where presence and identity are fully felt.

Each portrait is an exchange—between artist and subject, subject and viewer. By painting portraits, I aim to depict a moment of quiet truth, and allow that moment to speak for itself. I strive to capture not just a likeness, but a presence—a fleeting moment that feels both personal and universal. In doing so, my work becomes a conversation about identity, representation, and the ways in which we see and connect with each other.

Bio
Kelly Anona Kerrigan is a figurative painter based in Boston, MA.
Originally from New Hampshire, she received her BFA in painting from Boston
University, and her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Her work has been shown in various venues throughout New England, and was featured in the 2006 New American Paintings MFA edition.

Kerrigan has done costume work and scene painting in Boston area theaters. She combines her interest in costume and clothing construction with her painting through use of pattern and depiction of garments and textiles. She has taught painting at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. She currently lives and works in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood