by Hayley Acevedo
When Victoria first arrived at VSU, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to specialize in. She experimented with various media—printmaking, graphic design, and even sculpture. Eventually, she developed a distinctive style centered around lionesses and the female figure. Wells works in a style she refers to as “abstract realism,” in which she combines highly detailed, realistic imagery with expressive, abstract backgrounds. For her, making art is an emotional process. She begins with whatever she’s feeling in the moment and uses that emotion to guide the creation of her backgrounds. Once the abstract elements are laid down, she incorporates realistic figures—often lions or human forms—to bring the composition to life.
One of the most powerful aspects of Wells’ work is her depiction of lions, specifically lionesses. She paints them in a realistic style, setting them against bold, abstract backgrounds that highlight the emotion in their expressions. There’s a clear expressionist quality in the way she renders their faces—sometimes fierce, sometimes calm, but always commanding. It’s evident that the lioness serves as a symbolic figure, representing feminine strength and emotional depth.
Wells also uses the lioness as a metaphor for women’s empowerment. She explains, “When we think of lions, we think of the male lion with the large mane; however, lionesses do most of the work in the pride—like hunting and raising the cubs—and are often overlooked… Women are strong like a lioness and play a significant role in raising future generations, yet we are often overlooked by society.” With her background in dance, Wells also brings a deep appreciation for the female body into her art. Her portrayals of movement and form emphasize that women can embody strength and power while still embracing their femininity.
Overall, Victoria Wells’ senior show is both emotionally moving and visually powerful. She skillfully incorporates themes of women’s empowerment and identity, and her ability to blend contrasting styles and emotions results in a compelling and resonant body of work. Through her art, Wells delivers a powerful message about strength, individuality, and staying true to oneself.