Jacqui Crocetta

Bio

For some time, I have been creating mixed-media paintings and sculptures that bring attention to the complex problem of human suffering, celebrating resilience and the possibility of healing. Most recently, I have been motivated by a heightened awareness of our interconnectedness and the impact of our actions on one another and the environment. Within my layered paintings, I pay tribute to the awe and wonder I feel for nature and our universe story, while responding to issues that particularly concern me, such as the prevalence of plastic marine debris, overfishing, coral bleaching, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

At the onset of the pandemic, my method of painting changed radically. I developed a hybrid style of painting and drawing comprised of washes of color and intricate mark making that create rhythmic patterns. Sweeping gestures and the pulse of tattoo-like marks activate the surface of my paintings emphasizing movement–a signature characteristic of all living organisms. While elements of my abstract compositions reference nature, the configurations are not quite of this world. In my recent paintings, harmony rubs up against discord to create a subtle friction in the work that makes space to think about our impact on the environment.

The paintings can be read on two different levels. From a distance, they may be perceived in their entirety, but they offer densely patterned surfaces that are only perceptible when viewed in close proximity. I often find myself working with repetitive processes that slow down time and create a state that is conducive to reflection. While painting, I contemplate the majesty, mystery and plight of the natural world. I ponder the fragility of vulnerable populations and our planet, the potential for healing, and the call to action we must heed if we are to avoid the very real potential of another mass extinction.

Jacqui Crocetta is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

250 Mass/ North Gallery Floor 2