Aurora Reynolds a narrative surrealist painter and illustrator combining psychedelic imagery, fairy tales, and dreams with childhood nostalgia and playful whimsy to discuss the human tradition of storytelling, through myth, magic, folklore, and fairytales. They use medieval art and architectural motifs as autobiographical symbols. They are interested in the ways paganism intersects with early medieval Christianity as a reflection of their own upbringing with divorced parents of different faiths, a pagan mother and Christian father. To Reynolds, magic and making are inseparable; the act of creation is itself a feat of magic. Reynolds’ paintings are deliberately disorienting, using highly saturated color and complex compositions to create a lush, overwhelming chaos.

Born in 2001 in Monroe, Michigan, Aurora Reynolds grew up in a tiny cottage secluded on the shores of Lake Erie. Reynolds previously studied fine art at Monroe County Community College where they served as Co-President of the Art Club, curating three exhibitions with the group. Reynolds’ work was featured in four issues of Images: A Literary and Fine Arts Magazine, including on the front cover of Vol. 37. They hold a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with a concentration in painting and drawing. They have exhibited their work in groups shows across the southeast Michigan and Chicago areas. Their work has been featured in arts publications such as Mulberry Literary and Xerox Candy Bar.