This September, the Maruani Mercier gallery in Brussels will showcase an eagerly anticipated exhibition of new paintings by US-based artist Jaclyn Conley. Titled "Castles in the Air," this collection delves deep into the complexities of social change, landscape, and the intersection of historical and contemporary narratives.
Jaclyn Conley, The Dance, 2024, oil on linen, 72 x 96 in
Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1979, Conley has built a distinguished career exploring pivotal moments in American history through her evocative works. Now residing in New Haven, Connecticut, she continues to interrogate the concept of social progress, drawing on archival photographs and personal experiences to create layered, thought-provoking paintings. In "Castles in the Air," Conley embarks on a visual journey that reflects on the landscape as both a symbol and a strategy of resistance.
The new series prominently features references to the back-to-the-land movement of the 1960s and 70s—a cultural phenomenon where individuals sought refuge in rural environments, distancing themselves from mainstream society. Conley's paintings are complex dialogues between past and present, reality and fiction. She intertwines these historical accounts with found images of the sky during the devastating wildfires that ravaged Canada in recent years. These elements, combined with visual influences from the works of Pieter Bruegel, create a narrative that is at once nostalgic and urgent.
In a recent interview, Conley shared insights into her creative process. She described the back-to-the-land movement as a moment of inspiration, despite its eventual shortcomings. "It's something that didn't entirely turn out the way that it might have initially been designed," Conley noted. Yet, she finds inspiration in the quiet, personal resistance these figures embodied—a stark contrast to the loud, boisterous protests of the time.
Conley's technique, which blends fluid brushstrokes with hard-edged figures, adds another layer of depth to her thematic exploration. "For me, it's important that the paintings do have some kind of hope to them without providing answers," she explained. This deliberate ambiguity allows viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels, reflecting on the complexities of social change and the often tumultuous journey toward progress.
Jaclyn Conley, SOLDIERS AT REST, 2024, oil on linen, 182.9 x 274.3 cm, 72 x 108 in
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition, Soldiers at Rest(2024), encapsulates Conley's deep engagement with the idea of resisting a singular narrative. The painting portrays figures navigating a vast, undefined space, symbolizing the non-linear path of human aspiration and social progress. This theme of multiplicity runs through many of Conley's works, where time, place, and perspective converge, creating a rich tapestry of visual and conceptual layers.
Another powerful piece, The Fire (2024), draws on Conley's reflections on the wildfires that recently gripped North America. The painting is part of a broader narrative inspired by a mythic tale from the back-to-the-land movement. It depicts the destruction of a utopian society by fire—a metaphor for the inevitable setbacks that accompany human endeavors. Yet, rather than portraying this as a failure, Conley views it as an opportunity for renewal, a theme that resonates throughout her work.
As the exhibition title suggests, "Castles in the Air" invites viewers to contemplate the fragile, often elusive nature of human ambition and the ongoing quest for meaning in a world marked by both beauty and destruction. Through her unique fusion of history, landscape, and personal reflection, Jaclyn Conley offers a poignant exploration of the possibility of resistance and renewal in the face of adversity.
The exhibition will be on display at Maruani Mercier gallery in Brussels from September 12th to October 20th, 2024.
Jaclyn Conley, THE FIRE, 2024, oil on linen, 182.9 x 274.3 cm, 72 x 108 in
Jaclyn Conley, CASTLES IN THE AIR, 2024, oil on linen, 182.9 x 365.8 cm, 72 x 144 in
More information:
Date: September 5th, 2024 – October 19th, 2024
Time: 10 am – 7 pm *September 5th will open at 11 am
Location: Maruani Mercier Gallery in Brussels, Avenue Louise 430, 1050 Brussels
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