Jenn Hallgren

Philadelphia, PA United States

Artist Statement:

Henri Matisse once said, "What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter—a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue."

I would add “and mental fatigue” to the end of Matisse's statement. Life is hectic—we are absolutely bombarded with marketing messages, political posts, 24-hour news cycles, etc... My previous 15-years in Art Direction necessitated my designing of this type of information.

As of 2017, I have largely withdrawn from 'spamming' ideas and beliefs on other people. Today I live as a full-time artist, and tend to focus on creating paintings that refresh people and bring them joy!

That said, my specific philosophy on art (or my ‘Artist Statement’) follows:
The blank canvas is filled with endless possibilities…
A single mark creates space.
Lines create shapes.
Shape and color create form.
Forms, and the negative shapes between them, create structure.
The plastic qualities of the paint and the two-dimensionality of the surface excite my senses.

The significance of my work lies in the formalist aesthetics and the inherent qualities of the medium — the line, color, shape, form, structure, composition, and plasticity. Painting is a visual experience. You need not know anything about me, read my artists statement, or bring anything but your visual perception to love (or hate) my painting for exactly what is.

My recent body of work revolves around gardens, but the object (i.e. the garden) is a mere starting point. It is the act of painting and the language of formalism guides me in my practice — and I am absolutely fascinated by the opportunity to capture the complexity and chaos of the world in plastic terms.

Education:

1995-2000
BFA: Painting, Minor Art History
Wright State University, Dayton OH. Graduated Magna Cum Laude; awarded numerous merit-based awards; awarded teaching assistantship in Art History

2008-2011
MBA: Marketing Strategy
Fox School of Business, Philadelphia PA

Awards & Distinctions:

Professional/Teaching Experience:

Exhibitions:

Artistic Influences:

I am influenced by so many artists — as well as things that I see in the world every day! A few of my favorites include Cézanne, Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Gretna Campbell, Gustav Klimt ...

Artist Tags:

oil painter, contemporary art, landscape, observation, realism, garden art

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Jenn Hallgren

Philadelphia, PA United States