'Speaking of the Arts': Ilona Cutts

Ilona Cutts is a fine artist specializing in oil painting. She locates her style as “something between magical surrealism and pop surrealism,” aiming to “create art for the purpose of creating consciousness” through visual storytelling. Her art draws inspiration from nature, animals and the spirit realm, dreamlike images that are found in books of fables.

Cutts was born in Finland and has lived nomadically across several countries throughout her life. She spent most of her childhood in Mexico, where the vibrant murals of Mexico City made her certain she wanted to be a painter. Today, she lives in Atlanta and loves it for its greenery. An upcoming solo exhibition at Spruill Gallery called “Homecoming” showcases a collection of Cutts’ paintings that trace her journey across the world as a nomad, finally finding a home in our city.

The exhibition opened on Jan. 20 and runs through Feb. 19. Cutts gives a talk at Spruill on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. More on this event and her other projects can be found at http://ilonacutts.com.