Believing that articles of clothing can function as talismans or vessels for memory, Erin Trefry’s painting series of shoes worn by the artist’s family and friends acts as a unique form of portraiture. Depicting each leather fold, Trefry’s brushwork captures a lasting imprint of the subject through these humble objects. Every painting holds different connotations and emotions, symbolizing a specific time in the wearer’s life, a special event, or even a feeling of confidence or comfort. With this series, Trefry seeks to move past historical superstitions associated with footwear and pay homage to the people she loves.

Erin Trefry lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. She received her BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD.

Trefry has exhibited her work at Lowell Ryan Projects in Los Angeles, CA; Altman Siegel Gallery in San Francisco, CA; No Gallery in Los Angeles, CA; TSA LA in Los Angeles, CA; 0-0 LA in Los Angeles, CA; Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA; Monte Vista Projects in Los Angeles, CA; ODD ARK•LA in Los Angeles, CA; Eastside International in Los Angeles, CA; Big Pictures Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA; there-there in Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) in Los Angeles, CA; and elsewhere.

Her work has been reviewed and discussed in publications such as Artforum, The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, and Art and Cake.