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DC Inspired: “Cave Study” by Alexandra Chiou

A UVA grad's painting that explores the origins of life inspires a nursery for a new life.

“Cave Study” by Alexandra Chiou.

Young artist Alexandra Chiou, a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, uses life and anatomy to inspire her work. “I aim to explore the complex parallels between human anatomy, geography, and organic matter,” she says. “I am especially interested in understanding and conceptualizing the common origins of life.” The playful colors in “Cave Study,” her acrylic-and-India-ink piece, made me think of a child’s imagination, with no limits to color and shape. This inspired a bright and cheery nursery where the artwork could jump off the walls; it could easily transition to more mature decor as the child grows.

Composite by Meg Biram.

Inspired items (clockwise from top left): Tamawa table lamp from Horne; striped crib sheet from Giggle; apple pillow from Jonathan Adler; Flicka horse from Currey & Company; voile blanket from Land of Nod; Draper stripe rug from Dwell Studio; Caravan convertible crib from Layla Grace.

Meg Biram writes about interiors, art, and fashion on her blog, Mimi + Meg.