Hall's paintings are inspired by the artist's visits to Palm Springs' pools and resorts and Los Angeles' posh Westside and beaches. Depictions of privileged, beautiful women grinning with self-satisfaction against the inevitable ravages of time became the basis of Hall's imagery. Employing a realist style of painting, the artist celebrates the color and quality of light in sunny environments. Yet, these emotionally charged works pack compelling thoughts for viewers who choose to look beyond the pretty faces and scenes. Beneath the surface beauty lurks a certain "edge" evoking an uneasy feeling that something is amiss. In revealing herself through these poignant and personal images, the artist lures us into deeper consideration of our own yearnings for eternal youth and our inability to face what inevitably comes with human mortality.
Combining a skill for capturing intense color and light and portraying women, her images often feature other genres within the painting - including still life, landscape and water studies. Reflected in her artwork is her pre-occupation with fleeting youth, aging and the cultural expression of self-image.
Accompanying major paintings in this retrospective are extensive photographs, drawings, color studies and notes that Hall uses in preparation for her large paintings. These supportive materials provide an insight into the artist's elaborate planning process. Also included are three-dimensional installations - one used on the set of the film Spanglish where Hall advised on the scenic design and recreated one of her paintings. Photographic film stills included in the exhibition contextualize this setting.
