Untitled (Aren't They Beautiful?) by Kara Suhey

"Aren't they beautiful?" asks contender Kara Suhey in a series of photographs that documents her own candy red fingernails. The work, in both appearance and thought, resembles the spontaneity of images made on a camera phone and questions her intent to create photography-as-art. The series appears to be a recreational afterthought, but Kara's naivety is sweetly feminine with a touch of nonchalant narcissism. She knows what she's doing.

The precise stupidity of the statement [Aren't They Beautiful?] leads one to ask whether or not I might be serious. It's this hazy area of childlike wonderment in which these photographs dwell. In the gravity and simplicity of the present moment, my own red and shining fingernails are radiantly beautiful.

This kind of self-aware work acknowledges the action of artists to create and show, while mocking the formality of this action itself. Everything is delivered with a sly wink. Though the photos clearly examine the concept of beauty, they cheekily poke fun at feminist ideologies as well; direct embodiment of our generation's post-feminist wit and irreverence.

But truly, it's all about having fun while making and sharing art. Kara and her longtime friend, Mina Karimi, have also been collaborating on a series of performance projects under the idea that Everything Will Be Okay. Part public art and part motivational speaker, their goal is to surprise everyday people by bringing a bit of unexpected joy to their lives. This includes organizing a NYC reenactment of the unforgettable parade scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and a two-month Dance Everyday tour.

This project idea came to us as a tangible extension of our longtime ideal that you should follow your bliss and do what you truly feel like doing. This means taking an active role in your own enjoyment and cultivating a creative mind, playful spirit, and performing the work you genuinely would like to do.

Kara's projects are quite inspiring for all struggling artists out there, reminding you that the power of one person (or two!) can greatly influence the collective experience.