Some of the first places that Chloe Kovska discovered the aesthetics she liked most, was in comic books, fantasy art, and sneakily watching erotic and vintage cartoons.
Banned toons are her favorite, and she “love-love(s) foreign ones.” Sourced from the pulp fiction and underground erotica of names such as Gene Bilbrew, Robert Crumb and Frank Franzetta, Kovska’s artistic affect is that of arousal—of sexual arousal, of fanciful arousal, of memory arousal.
“Cartoons are light-hearted and fun, and sex, sadly, is still seen as such a taboo topic, yet is such a big part of us all, whether you are willing to admit that or not. I feel it’s nice to merge the two together and birth awareness to not be afraid, ashamed or suppressed by something that can be so beautiful between people (provided, both, or however many, are consenting). Sexuality is something to be embraced and educated about.”
We talk with the Melbourne-based artist about her earliest influences, painting her scantily clad subjects, and what’s next on her agenda, in upcoming issue 08 out this Saturday. Issue 08 will be available for purchase at our release party on Saturday at These Days or online via our store.
