Ashley Macomber
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Jessica Chou
![Ashley Macomber](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Ashley-Macomber-Jessica-Chou-Huck2_2023-04-03-102138_mgsc.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
LA artist Ashley Macomber makes delicately textured renderings of feminine forms and animals, in dusty balletic hues, underwear pinks, creams and lacy blacks. Except for a book collaboration she did with musician Bonnie Prince Billy in 2012 (Afternoon, Black Tent Press), she never puts men in her art; just femme subjects who almost always exist in contrast, juxtaposed against bricks, their softness hidden behind masks, or bound by ropes. In Macomber’s world, womanhood must always contend with something menacing and impersonal.
In this playlist, Ashley shares some of her favourite music with Huck.
Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend
This is the video I go to super late at night after a bottle of wine. Her dancing is next level. I love Robyn, she is pop music at its best.
Michael MacDonald & Grizzly Bear – While You Wait for the Others
Michael MacDonald just gets better and better for me as I get older and older, but sometimes it’s a little dated, so this is an epic collab that makes everyone sound better.
Zola Jesus – Seekir
I love everything she does, I couldn’t even figure out what song to pick cause I am a mega fan.
Solomon Burke – Don’t Give Up on Me
A great love song for difficult people.
Antony and the Johnsons – Fistful of Love
This is probably my favourite song of all time. It’s such a sweet build up and I am a sucker for a saxophone.
Huck 45 – The Ed Templeton Curated Issue is out now. Grab it from our web shop or subscribe to make sure you don’t miss another issue this year.
Latest on Huck
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
![In photos: the dogs of Dogtown](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/saguy_dogtown_02_RGB.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![Inside the battle to stop coal](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/DSC00173.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Inside the battle to stop coal
As the legal challenge against Britain’s first deep coal mine in 30 years reaches the High court, we talk to activists at the centre of the fight to stop it.
Written by: Ben Smoke