As a multi-media surrealist artist based in Spearfish, SD, I, Kiwi Hartman, constantly explore the depths of imagination and horror through my intricately layered works. I was drawn to surrealism as I have always been attracted to the unusual and macabre. This, of course, created the perfect pipeline for me into surrealism. The movement was mostly highlighted as a male-dominated space, and as an active and outward feminist, I feel it is my right as well as my duty to diversify for other emerging artists. This, as well as the overall themes within my work, is why I would describe myself as a surrealist artist. 

  My practice as a studio artist allows me to merge various techniques and mediums to create pieces that challenge the perception of reality and push the boundaries of traditional art. For instance, I incorporate painting, digital media, and sculpture into my work. I seek to combine traditionally cute or feminine motifs with a horrific or unsettling twist thus creating thought-provoking layers within my work. My creations reflect a dreamlike world that invites viewers to delve into their subconscious. I have always been inspired and in some way was radicalized by my deep appreciation and influence of Julie Curtiss. She uses her work to convey the complementarity of humor, darkness, uncanny, mundaneness, grotesque shapes, and vivid colors. This closely relates to my work I believe no better example would prove this than my Dead-cident Dessert tryptic painting series. These works are acrylic paintings on rounded canvases depicting ornate sweet treats with the grotesque twist of body parts being used as fellow ingredients. 

Through my practice, I aim to evoke introspection and spark conversation, inviting audiences to see beyond what is presented at face value. Be it through grotesque aspects of my overall cutesy work, or my need to take up space in male-dominated environments. Moving to Spearfish SD, has allowed for my work to be viewed by a larger demographic helping it to create more confrontation and overall challenge public thought. My most recent exhibit will be held in the Dahl Arts Center, as it is the upcoming senior exhibition for the Black Hills State University graduating artists.