ARTIST STATEMENT
My work explores the relationship between perception and reality in both subject matter and presentation. My 3D Photo mosaics were born from my love of genealogy paired with my interest in pop culture and history. They combine graphic elements of photography with sculptural qualities of mosaics. This marriage gives depth and 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. Each photo is digitally manipulated by editing layout and color. A complex image emerges by juxtaposing the edited photos adhered to mosaic tiles and placed adjacent on several levels to give dimension. The individual images come together and the overall subject is born. The process is very intricate, as each individual image is thoroughly researched for accuracy and relevance to the overall subject. They carry a social message from Women’s/Civil/LGBTQ rights to globalism.
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 also had 11 solo exhibitions & 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 International Open & Beverly Arts Center’s Art Comp 2022 where I received Best In Show.
In addition, I was selected by Oak Park Education Foundation to teach in their Art Start Program beginning in 2014, continuing to today. In June 2015, I was interviewed on VOP-TV about my career & artistic process. And in 2016, I was honored by the Illinois House of Representatives for my Midwestern-themed works. I have exhibited in over 50 local, regional and international exhibitions from 2013 to 2022, 11 solo exhibitions and have had numerous works selected for corporate & individual permanent collections.
© Jennifer McNulty