ARTIST STATEMENT
I’ve always been interested in realism as a means to an end, using the labor of my hands to lure the viewer into deep thought. For years I dove into using my canvas to reflect what I felt to be important and also challenging parts of human existence – from income inequality to climate change. This work weighed heavily on me, and as we headed into a global pandemic and a time of political turmoil, I knew I needed to shift gears in my practice. My newest work provides a new lens through which to view the world, focusing on the joy and magic that can be found in everyday moments.
Recently, I’ve found myself interested in the “in between.” These paintings exist in a space that is in between reality and somewhere else. They also exist in the space between joy and sadness, hovering in the realm of the bittersweet. They are an ode to the temporary nature of life, in all of its short-lived beauty and sadness.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jennifer Cronin is a Chicago-based visual artist, known for her meticulously rendered paintings which explore the mystery and complexity of everyday life. Jennifer’s work has been exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally. In support of her most recent work exploring the magic of everyday spaces, Jennifer was awarded a grant from The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation and Chicago DCASE. Jennifer’s work has been featured on NPR, Newcity, and Sixty Inches from Center and included in exhibitions at the Elmhurst Art Museum, Museo Internazionale Italia Arte, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Her work was awarded best in show by juror Eric Fischl in a group exhibition at the Buchanan Center for the Arts. Jennifer received her BFA in painting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is represented by Elephant Room Gallery and [salonlb.] in Chicago.
© Jennifer Cronin