ARTIST STATEMENT
My work explores the relationship between perception & reality in both subject matter & presentation. My 3D Photo Mosaics were born from my love of genealogy paired with my interest in pop culture & history. They combine graphic elements of photography with sculptural qualities of mosaics. This marriage gives depth & engages the viewer by requiring them move in closely to see the small detailed photos, then step back to observe the overall image. These works are hand-designed reliefs adhered to hundreds of tiles. They carry a social message from Women’s/Civil/LGBTQ rights to globalism. The process is very intricate, as each individual image is thoroughly researched for accuracy & relevance to the overall subject. Each photo is digitally manipulated by editing layout & color, then printed and hand-cut. A complex image emerges by juxtaposing the edited photos adhered to mosaic tiles & placed adjacent on several levels to give dimension. The individual images come together and the overall subject is born.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My artistic career is diverse from a successful career in illustration, photography, traditional mosaics and now 3D Photo Mosaics. In 2013, I pursued exhibiting my work and within 2 months had exhibited in 2 Chicago galleries, one where I was selected for their “Best Of Emerging Artists 2013” exhibition. My “John Lennon: Peace” was selected for a national traveling exhibit for the “Peace Project” & was published in their coffee table book in 2013. I have shown widely in juried group exhibitions, including Rockford Art Museum’s 73rd Midwestern Biennial, Bridgeport Art Center’s 2nd Annual Juried Art Competition, Woman Made Gallery’s 18th & 24th International Open & Beverly Arts Center’s Art Comp 2022 where I received Best In Show. I was also selected by Oak Park Education Foundation to teach in their Art Start Program beginning in 2014, continuing today. In June 2015, I was interviewed by VOP-TV about my career & artistic process. In 2016, I was honored by the Illinois House of Representatives for my Midwestern-themed works. In December 2024, CBS News Chicago interviewed me about my works and process. I have exhibited in over 50 local, regional and international exhibitions from 2013-2024, 15 solo exhibitions and have had numerous works selected for corporate & individual permanent collections.
© Jen McNulty