Hayla Ragland
from the series Venus the moon decreasing
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"The compositional arc refers to an idea extant in witchcraft and alchemical traditions; that spells intended to get rid of something (or else, decrease it) should be cast whilst the moon is waning or decreasing in size. The empty toilet paper rolls comprising the arc signal the images jest with regards to these sciences. The work echoes a desire, and simultaneous disbelief in the ability, to wish-away-woes. More than anything, I was reflecting on a certain lack of magic during that part of my life—an overabundance of homeliness which countered my expectations for young adulthood." - Hayla Ragland.
Hayla Ragland is an intermedia artist and writer based in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2018, Ragland completed a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Psychology from the University of Kentucky where she was a John R. Gaines Fellow for the Humanities. She currently works as a community health worker for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Ragland's work explores notions and signifiers of *ability and the collaboration of health and contemporary visual culture. She has exhibited along the East Coast and internationally, in addition to digital publication in DIALOGIST and CounterClock. She's been an artist in residence at Artscape, Toronto, CA and at Vermont Studio Center, Johnson VA, USA.
