Beauty and the Priest

Beauty and the Priest

Artist: Keerthana Kumar

40.2 by 30 inches 

Acrylic on Canvas

“Beauty and the Priest” is a striking contemporary painting that fuses the grandeur of 18th-century court fashion with a bold, modern color palette. Two vivid, intertwined figures dominate the canvas, their faces and hands rendered in electric blues, fiery oranges, and deep reds—transforming historical portraiture into something fresh, vibrant, and alive.

The hypnotic black-and-white spiral background contrasts with the hot pink foreground, amplifying the visual tension between tradition and rebellion. Rich details—powdered wigs, lace cuffs, pearls, and a peacock feather—speak to opulence and self-expression, while the exaggerated color blocks and layered textures push the piece into the realm of neo-pop art.

This vivid work speaks to femininity as ceremony, the labor behind elegance, and the cultural structures that crown some bodies as worthy of display. It radiates energy and drama, inviting viewers to explore themes of beauty, identity, and performance while celebrating the fearless use of color and form.

A dynamic choice for collectors of figurative painting, feminist art, and color-driven contemporary portraiture, Beauty and the Priest is a true statement piece—powerful, opulent, and unforgettable.

Price: $5,000