ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is a contemporary exploration of symbolism, deeply embedded into themes of reinvention and cultural reflection. In today’s climate, where the rights of women, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people remain precarious, my work takes on a sense of urgency. I create symbols that serve as keys to unlocking inner understanding and celebrating often-overlooked aspects of the human experience—vulvas, wombs, and their transformative power. This symbolism challenges historical norms and resurrects reverence for the vulva and womb in a modern context. Mysticism and its unspoken wisdom underpin my work, challenging centuries-old norms that prioritize the veneration of masculine deities while neglecting the worship of the vulva and womb—a practice deeply rooted in ancient societies.
My mission is to resurrect this reverence in a contemporary context utilizing materials such as reflective acrylic and glass mirror. My art engages viewers as active participants, drawing them into introspection. Through sinuous portals and womb-like symbols, I introduce a new form of iconography that invents a feminist-focused geometric lexicon.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My artistic journey began with a dedicated emphasis on social practice. My early projects include teaching art to older adults during my graduate studies, where I explored the benefits of art in the context of aging. Additionally, I engaged in workshops designed to empower participants through vulva self-portraiture and painting large canvas with the body. My work encompasses a wide spectrum of mediums, including murals, paintings, and sculptural mirrors. Through these diverse forms, I have harnessed a deep sense of inner spiritual knowledge, with a particular commitment to empowering individuals with vulvas through symbolism. I have showcased my work at The Other Art Fair and received the City Artist Corps Grant in 2021, solidifying my unwavering dedication creating diverse ways to share my work. Through my art, I inspire deeper self-understanding and empowerment in others, offering a unique perspective that bridges the personal and universal through symbolism and mysticism.
© Meagan Jain