Artist Rebecca Moses’ paintings cover the exterior walls of Pucci International in Miami.
Rebecca Moses’ super power is empowering other women.
The artist and former fashion designer launched a project at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic called Stay Home Sisters, where she offered to paint and post on her Instagram account a portrait of any woman who shared her story of life under lockdown. The network of women grew to 420 strong, and the sisters knew they were not alone.
Moses in December will be the subject of an exhibition at Ralph Pucci International during Art Basel Miami, “Bubblegum, Lipstick, and Hope,” a show of 200 portraits that reflect hope, passion, determination and the desire to stay true to one’s own voice, even in the most challenging of times.
In addition to the show, 17 larger-than-life murals, will cover the facade of Pucci’s free-standing Wynwood gallery, celebrating the female qualities of childish charms, cherished comforts, and creative dreams, but most importantly, hope.
The artist is also empowering collectors by setting accessible prices. Original works on paper, including 170 smaller 9 X 12s will sell for $2,000, while the top price for larger canvases is $20,000.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to buy an original work of art on the spot,” Moses said. “Someone who can afford more can buy a whole collection. For the young or someone who would like to start collecting, this art gives them an entry point. It’s exciting – I get so many requests from people to buy and the price is hard for them.”
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Rebecca Moses’ portraits feature intricate fashion and backdrops.
Moses said the Stay Home Girls project was a jumping off point for the newer works. “The women became a part of my life,” she said. “At a certain point, I wanted to leave reality and fall down the rabbit hole. I wanted to will the world I’d like to see.”
All of the portraits feature elaborate clothing and accessories. “You can never stop being a fashion person,” said Moses, who followed Gianni Versace as the designer of Genny in Milan in the Nineties. “I’ll be a designer all my life. It’s part of my DNA and that extends to my art. What we wear and how we wear it and project it to the world is such a fascinating psychology.
“These pieces are totally imaginative,” Moses added. “My frustration of not designing clothes right now comes from my heart. I create these women naturally because I’ve been a designer. I create the environments and the clothes. Being a fashion designer and a painter is an unusual combination. I love outrageous hair and jewelry. All of these are symbols of expression.”
Mose was touched by the stories of the Stay Home Sisters. “So many people were so depressed by staying at home and not making the effort to put on their best,” she said. “I wanted to will that back. Making the women larger than life was really the way to do it.
“The murals in Wynwood are a little like heavy metal,” said Ralph Pucci. “They’re joyful and technicolor. I’ve been working with Rebecca for so many years. We’ve had so many successful projects together. I love the paintings.
“This will be Art Basel after a two year layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Pucci added. “There’s a lot of energy in Miami. We’ve been in Wynwood for three years. We were this little jewel not too many people knew about, but more people know about Pucci now. A year ago, I commissioned India Mondavi for the exterior and before that, Jean-Charles de Castlebajac.”
“All of the paintings were very inspired by what we’ve gone through,” Moses said, referring to the pandemic. “I was so impressed by the women who came into my life. It’s a remarkable testament to women and the power of art in connecting people. Also, the power of portraiture, which can give such a sense of dignity and flattery and empowerment to a woman.”
The Art Basel Miami exhibition includes 200 works.
Moses’ work has always been about encouraging women to be proud of their assets and proud of who they are. The portraits are filled with humor and joy, and reflect the title of the exhibition, “Bubblegum, Lipstick and Hope.” Some of the women eat comfort food in the paintings. “It’s the food that saved us during the pandemic,” Moses said. “I have girls eating hot dogs when they’re wearing haute couture and look like some superstar makeup artist made them up.
“We get dressed up and still want to have a bowl of popcorn,” the artist added. “I wanted to show that I’m wearing my finest threads – a double-faced wool printed cape – but I still love a good hot dog. Bubblegum is the child in us, the deliciousness of life. The lipstick is such a symbol of armor. I’m going to get up and take a shower and nobody’s going to screw with me. It’s the moments of dignity and self-love that we have to give ourselves. Hope is eternal.”
