jessica baldivieso
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jessica María Baldivieso Zarruk was born in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia 1991. She received both a BS in Architecture (2014) and a BA in Art Studio (2016) from the University of Arkansas. Her work is about using art to understand the fundamentals of space as it is now, and the elements that make an everyday life experience. Recently she broke away from conventional painting, working with projects that include video and installation.
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ARTIST STATEMENT
The foundation of my artistic philosophy lies in the power of the line. Often underestimated, a line possesses the ability to define space and create edges. Through my work, I explore both abstract and figurative representations, examining the abstract to imagine the interactions of lines, perspective, and space, and at other times capturing specific environments that captivate me. The repetition of lines, especially in structures like staircases, fascinates me as they form a rhythmic dance, directing the eye and embedding a sense of order within chaos. Geometry, the collaboration of lines, offers a definitive and objective understanding, explainable through mathematics.
In contrast, color presents a more complex and elusive realm. Subjective to individual experiences and cultural backgrounds, color evokes emotions and defies precise explanations. While color theory attempts to shed light on its phenomena, the ever-changing nature of color in relation to its surroundings remains enigmatic. I find this ambiguity fascinating and appreciate the mystery that color holds. Within my artwork, the collaboration of lines and color becomes an amalgamation of the sensical and nonsensical, a fusion of spatial representation and emotional expression. It is through this collaboration that I aim to document my ongoing journey of living between places, caught in a constant state of transition and adaptation. Symbolized by staircases and long corridors, my work embodies the notion of being in between—between cultures, languages, and even states of mind. To convey these ideas, I experiment with various materials and techniques, incorporating acrylic paint, gesso, wood frames, laser-cut wood, and self-drying clay. By manipulating depth and texture, I aim to capture the essence of the spaces I inhabit physically and mentally. While I have self-imposed restrictions, such as maintaining a consistent line width, to explore the possibilities within a defined framework, I recognize that there is always room for growth and evolution. Mirrors, which expand reality into a realm of non-reality, have become an integral element in my work, and I intend to continue exploring their potential in future projects. My exploration also encompasses the white-on-white paintings, which serve as a study of line, thickness, perspective, light, and shadows. By removing the distraction of color, these works allow the composition of lines and the spaces they create to take center stage. Although I have dedicated two years to this series, I believe there is still more to uncover and discover within this realm. Ultimately, my art is a reflection of my ongoing journey—a journey that transcends physical borders and pushes the boundaries of artistic expression. It is an exploration of the relationship between space and emotion, action and mood, capturing the complexities of existence and the beauty of impermanence. |