kelly moran: under the protection of the skirt

Kelly Moran is a Houston-based artist whose diverse artistic practice encompasses painting, ceramics, printmaking, and collage. Her studio, a treasure trove of collected ephemera from various generations, reflects her passion for exploring and repurposing found materials. Born in the Catskill Mountains of New York, Moran’s artistic journey has taken her from high school in Florida to college in Louisiana and Texas, cementing her deep roots in the Houston art community through her contributions to printmaking and exhibition curation. 

Her upcoming exhibition, “Under the Protection of the Skirt,” at Koelsch Gallery on January 11, 2024, showcases a compelling body of work inspired by her recent Artist in Residency in Sanquhar, Scotland, sponsored by the Kolaj Institute. The exhibition features her “Scrappy Skirt Series,” which was initiated during the power outage caused by Hurricane Beryl and continued in the months that followed. In this series, skirts become symbolic structures—mountains, houses, and castles—representing shelter and safety. With a belief that creativity often flourishes in times of stress, Moran communicates a welcoming message through her use of paper scraps, inviting all to find refuge “under the protection of the skirt.” 

In addition to the skirts, the exhibition will also highlight Moran’s vintage collaged World Globes, each filled with imagery drawn from her extensive collection of ephemera, showcasing her ability to intertwine personal history with artistic expression. Visitors can also expect to see her popular vintage cowboy and girl paper doll assemblages—crafted from paper mounted on cut-out wood—with figures intricately covered in resin and adorned with an assortment of small objects, including vintage watches and Cracker Jack prizes, that contribute to their storytelling charm. 

Moran’s multifaceted work serves not only as a reflection of her individual experiences and inspirations but also as an invitation for viewers to find a sense of belonging and nostalgia within her art.