Emiko Kuhs
Back Burner, 2025
Cotton Fabric, Polyester Thread, Batting 37" x 37"
This piece looks at the ever-present climate crisis and its impacts on the power grid. America’s outdated for-profit power grid is experiencing the repercussions of our country's commitment to ecocide, and those living in rural areas are paying the price. If action is not taken to halt our reliance on fossil fuels and change the way power is distributed, the consequences on the country's most vulnerable populations will be insurmountable.
Emiko Kuhs
Deliverance, 2025
Cotton Fabric, Faux Fur, Minky 12" x 12"
Single-phase transformer near home.
Emiko Kuhs
Angel.1, 2025
Cotton Fabric, Felt, Airbrush Paint, Polyester Thread 22" x 22" x 1"
500 kV transmission tower with a silhouette of angel's trumpets on top.
Emiko Kuhs
A God I can Handle, 2025
Cotton Fabric, Polyester Thread, Batting 31" x 37" x .25"
Much of my work revolves around the power grid and its role, both politically and physically, in our society. "A God I can Handle" is a piece that examines the influential role the power grid plays in the lives of billions. America is unique in its electrical system, as it is primarily above-ground, with 80% of the system governed by for-profit companies. In my practice, I want to highlight the systemic issues of privatized power and how global warming will accelerate its negative impacts. Additionally, our reliance on the electricity grid as a life-giving and life-taking force is something else I like to explore as if it were a religious entity. Using religious imagery and symbolism, I often equate parts of the electricity grid to influential figures in Christianity.
Emiko Kuhs
Totally Doomed, 2024
Cotton Fabric, Polyester Thread, Batting 27" x 30" x 1"
Diptych inspired by two movies by Gregg Araki. Totally F***ed Up (left) The Doom Generation (right)
Emiko Kuhs
Another Homo Movie, 2024
Cotton Fabric, Polyester Thread, Batting 27" x 30" x 1"
Inspired by Gregg Araki’s Nowhere(1997). Araki’s films inspired me to pursue a minor in filmmaking and work in the industry. His films were the first time I saw queer people portrayed in the way I wanted to be seen. This work tries to emulate the ideas of a motion picture in a still work.
