ARTIST STATEMENT
Playful, seductive, and purposeful, I create expressive acrylic paintings that bring light to the beauty and pain of existing within a slow to change society as a femme, queer, and/or neurodiverse human. I hope to challenge the viewer to think about the classical representation of nude figures through a different lens, connecting them to the jumble of emotions we all are sorting through. Her Vulva Series started in 2022 and celebrates the diversity of vulvas from human to human. So often people are not aware of the differences between vulvas and are self conscious or ashamed of their own. With these paintings I hope people are able to see themselves reflected and appreciate the beauty in those that are different. Like all vulvas, each painting is unique and there will never be prints made so every piece is truly one of a kind.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Queer, neurodiverse artist Jillian Elliott is inspired by the duality of life. Using her own photos and victorian erotica as references, she focuses on femme identities- the joy and sorrow of how we move within societal expectations. They use bold blocking and bright colors to create abstracted pieces that celebrate bodies in palettes heavily influenced by their floral career and fashion degree. Originally from the great lakes region, she has spent her time hopping back and forth from Brooklyn and abroad since 2012 continually seeking new colors and light to fall in love with. Now settled in Brooklyn, she has exhibited in New York, Chicago, San Diego, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis.
© Jillian Elliot