In her recent figurative/abstract works, mid-career artist Jeanette Madden
captures the subject's inner space. As counter play to this tranquility, she immerses the
subject in the minutiae of urban sophistication, as informed by her use of unconventional
mixed media such as brass screws and beads. Most recently she developed a series of mixed
media works referencing Black women's hair, with all the complexity, varied treatments and
trends that are germane to this genre.
Hairstory, 2002
12" x 9", photo-transfer and
acrylic on canvas
Amit May Collection
Ms. Madden knows how to build quiet dynamic tension in her works. Witness
"Suppose," were the subject's face is intimately rendered with a simple graphite
pencil. The personal and individual nature of the face is contrasted with the more
generic, archetypical outline of the male body, accentuated by its transparency. This
figure is then juxtaposed onto varied and sophisticated layers of hand made papers, used
to build up surface textures. Add to this the formidable brass bolts (lower right) and the
sky of barely recognizable script, and you have a lively relationship between one's inner
self and the outside world.
Suppose, 2003
digital iris print on canvas
two editions of 45
"Intimacy
is one of our greatest desires - to fully share oneself with one another. Connection. To
be seen, recognized. Much of my work acknowledges the existence of the hidden - the inner
process. The soul. Our true wealth. The source of our path in life - aversions, passions,
failings and achievements."
"I love faces and figures, yet it's the subject's inner space that interests me. This
work invites the viewer to connect with the subject in her contemplation, to slow down and
just be."
The Path, 2000
30" x 24", mixed media collage on
canvas
"Moving between realms can be effortless - whether it's stopping to take a
conscious breath in the middle of the daily routine or intentionally sitting to meditate
or pray. My hope is that the viewer is drawn into contact with a deeper, quieter sense of
self - if only for a moment."
Lifeline, 2002
30" x 24", photo-transfer and
acrylic on canvas
Highly
involved with her native East Bay, California community, Ms. Madden has exhibited at City
of Oakland, State of California, Craft & Cultural Arts Center, The Art of Living
Black, Richmond Art Center, and at ProArts Gallery, Oakland, CA. In addition she
has participated in nationally recognized venues such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, New
York.
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In her recent figurative/abstract works, mid-career artist Jeanette Madden
captures the subject's inner space. As counter play to this tranquility, she immerses the
subject in the minutiae of urban sophistication, as informed by her use of unconventional
mixed media such as brass screws and beads. Most recently she developed a series of mixed
media works referencing Black women's hair, with all the complexity, varied treatments and
trends that are germane to this genre.
Ms. Madden knows how to build quiet dynamic tension in her works. Witness
"Suppose," were the subject's face is intimately rendered with a simple graphite
pencil. The personal and individual nature of the face is contrasted with the more
generic, archetypical outline of the male body, accentuated by its transparency. This
figure is then juxtaposed onto varied and sophisticated layers of hand made papers, used
to build up surface textures. Add to this the formidable brass bolts (lower right) and the
sky of barely recognizable script, and you have a lively relationship between one's inner
self and the outside world.
"Intimacy
is one of our greatest desires - to fully share oneself with one another. Connection. To
be seen, recognized. Much of my work acknowledges the existence of the hidden - the inner
process. The soul. Our true wealth. The source of our path in life - aversions, passions,
failings and achievements."
"Moving between realms can be effortless - whether it's stopping to take a
conscious breath in the middle of the daily routine or intentionally sitting to meditate
or pray. My hope is that the viewer is drawn into contact with a deeper, quieter sense of
self - if only for a moment."
Highly
involved with her native East Bay, California community, Ms. Madden has exhibited at City
of Oakland, State of California, Craft & Cultural Arts Center, The Art of Living
Black, Richmond Art Center, and at ProArts Gallery, Oakland, CA. In addition she
has participated in nationally recognized venues such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, New
York.
Amit May Fine Arts